Radiopaque intraluminal stents comprising cobalt-based alloys with primarily singe-phase supersaturated tungsten content

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are directed to radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) formed of cobalt-based alloys that comprise cobalt, chromium, tungsten, and nickel. Tungsten is present above its solubility limit (about 15%), but is still only present as a super-saturated, primarily single-phase material exhibiting an FCC microcrystalline structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/429,339, filed Feb. 10, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,441,445, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/830,404, filed Mar. 14, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,566,147, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/298,070, filed Nov. 16, 2011, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/414,566 filed Nov. 17, 2010 and entitled RADIOPAQUE INTRALUMINAL STENTS COMPRISING COBALT-BASED ALLOYS CONTAINING ONE OR MORE PLATINUM GROUP METALS, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Intraluminal stents implanted with percutaneous methods have become a standard adjunct to procedures such as balloon angioplasty in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the arterial system. Stents, by preventing acute vessel recoil, improve long term patient outcome and have other benefits such as securing vessel dissections.

Intraluminal stents comprise generally tubular-shaped devices which are constructed to hold open a segment of a blood vessel or other anatomical lumen. Intraluminal stents are used in treatment of diseases such as atherosclerotic stenosis as well as diseases of the stomach and esophagus, and for urinary tract applications. Adequate stent function requires a precise placement of the stent over a lesion or site of plaque or other lumen site in need of treatment. Typically, the stent is delivered to a treatment site by a delivery catheter that comprises an expandable portion for expanding the stent within the lumen.

The delivery catheter onto which the stent is mounted may be a balloon delivery catheter similar to those used for balloon angioplasty procedures. In order for the stent to remain in place on the balloon during delivery to the site of damage within a lumen, the stent may be compressed onto the balloon. The catheter and stent assembly is introduced within a patient's vasculature using a guide wire. The guide wire is disposed across the damaged arterial section and then the catheter-stent assembly is advanced over the guide wire within the artery until the stent is directly within the lesion or the damaged section.

The balloon of the catheter is expanded, expanding the stent against the artery wall. The artery is preferably slightly expanded by the expansion of the stent to seat or otherwise fix the stent to prevent movement. In some circumstances during treatment of stenotic portions of the artery, the artery may have to be expanded considerably in order to facilitate passage of blood or other fluid therethrough. In the case of a self expanding stent, the stent is expanded by retraction of a sheath or actuation of a release mechanism. Self-expanding stents may expand to the vessel wall automatically without the aid of a dilation balloon, although such a dilation balloon may be used for another purpose.

These manipulations are performed within the body of a patient by a practitioner who may rely upon both placement markers on the stent catheter and on the radiopacity of the stent itself. The stent radiopacity arises from a combination of stent material and stent pattern, including stent strut or wall thickness. After deployment within the vessel, the stent radiopacity should allow adequate visibility of both the stent and the underlying vessel and/or lesion morphology under fluoroscopic visualization.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to radiopaque cobalt alloys, radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) and related methods of manufacture and use. One embodiment of the present invention includes a radiopaque implantable structure. The radiopaque implantable structure comprises a main body including a cobalt-based alloy that includes cobalt, chromium, and one or more radiopaque elements. In one embodiment, examples of radiopaque elements include so-called platinum group metals (i.e., platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, or iridium). Group 10 elements (i.e., platinum or palladium) are particularly preferred. In one embodiment, the one or more included platinum group metals substitute for nickel, another group 10 element, such that the alloy is substantially nickel free (e.g., includes no more than about 2% nickel by weight). Another embodiment is entirely free of nickel. In addition, the alloys may include iron, although the amount of iron is limited to no more than about 20% by weight. In other embodiments, the amount of iron may be further limited (e.g., no more than about 10% by weight, no more than about 8% by weight). In some embodiments, the alloys are substantially iron free (e.g., no more than about 4% iron by weight). In another embodiment, iron is entirely absent.

In an embodiment, a radiopaque stent comprises a cylindrical main body comprising a cobalt-based alloy including cobalt, chromium and one or more platinum group metals selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, ruthenium, silver and gold the cobalt-based alloy being substantially free of nickel and comprising no more than about 20 percent by weight iron.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is entirely free of nickel and comprising no more than about 20 percent by weight iron.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy being substantially free of nickel and comprising no more than about 16 percent by weight iron.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy being substantially free of nickel and comprising no more than about 10 percent by weight iron.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy being substantially free of nickel and comprising no more than about 8 percent by weight iron.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy being substantially free of nickel and comprising no more than about 4 percent by weight iron.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 18 weight percent to about 50 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 10 weight percent to about 15 weight percent tungsten, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 3 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 40 weight percent to about 50 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 10 weight percent to about 15 weight percent tungsten, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 3 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 35 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 18 weight percent to about 50 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 10 weight percent to about 15 weight percent tungsten, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 3 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals are selected from the group consisting of platinum and palladium.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 18 weight percent to about 50 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 10 weight percent to about 15 weight percent tungsten, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 3 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals comprise from about 10 atomic percent to about 12 atomic percent of the cobalt-based alloy.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 22 weight percent to about 40 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 4 weight percent to about 7 weight percent molybdenum, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 18 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 22 weight percent to about 40 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 4 weight percent to about 7 weight percent molybdenum, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 18 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals are selected from the group consisting of platinum and palladium.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 22 weight percent to about 40 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 4 weight percent to about 7 weight percent molybdenum, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 18 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals comprise from about 14 atomic percent to about 16 atomic percent of the cobalt-based alloy.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 22 weight percent to about 40 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 4 weight percent to about 7 weight percent molybdenum, from about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, from about 0 weight percent to about 18 weight percent iron, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals comprise from about 33 atomic percent to about 35 atomic percent of the cobalt-based alloy.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 18 weight percent to about 39 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent molybdenum, and from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 18 weight percent to about 35 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent molybdenum, and from about 40 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 18 weight percent to about 35 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent molybdenum, and from about 40 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals are selected from the group consisting of platinum and palladium.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy comprises from about 18 weight percent to about 35 weight percent cobalt, from about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent molybdenum, and from about 40 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals comprise from about 35 atomic percent to about 37 atomic percent of the cobalt-based alloy.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is formed by providing an initial alloy comprising nickel and substituting the nickel with the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is formed by providing an initial alloy comprising nickel, manganese, and iron and substituting the nickel, manganese, and iron with the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is formed by providing each constituent metal in powder form, mixing the powders together, and compacting and sintering the mixture of constituent metals in powder form so as to form the cobalt-based alloy.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is formed by providing each constituent metal in solid form or the powder form of each constituent metal and then melting the pieces or parts by arc melting, electro-slag remelting, electron beam melting, induction melting, radiant heat melting, microwave melting, or so forth.

In an embodiment, the one or more platinum group metals consists of iridium.

In an embodiment, the one or more platinum group metals consists of iridium, and the cobalt-based alloy is a ternary Co—Cr—Ir alloy consisting essentially of cobalt, chromium, and iridium in which the chromium is present from about 10 weight percent to about 25 atomic percent, and the ratio of iridium to cobalt is greater than about 1:1 on an atomic basis.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is formed by providing an initial alloy comprising nickel and cobalt and substituting the nickel and at least a portion of the cobalt with the one or more platinum group metals.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is formed by providing an initial alloy comprising nickel and cobalt and substituting the nickel and at least a portion of the cobalt with the one or more platinum group metals, wherein the one or more platinum group metals are selected from the group consisting of platinum and palladium.

According to another embodiment the main body includes a cobalt-based alloy that includes cobalt, chromium, and one or more so-called refractory metals (i.e., zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, silver, or gold). Silver and gold are included within this broad classification of refractory metals for sake of simplicity, as they can be used, even though their melting temperatures are significantly lower than the other members of the class. These two metals could alternatively be termed “precious metals”. In one embodiment, the one or more included refractory metals substitute for nickel, such that the alloy is substantially nickel free (e.g., includes no more than about 2% nickel by weight). Another embodiment is entirely free of nickel. In addition, the alloys may include iron, although the amount of iron is limited to no more than about 20% by weight, no more than about 10% by weight, or no more than about 8% by weight. In other embodiments, the alloys are substantially iron free (e.g., no more than about 4% iron by weight). In another embodiment, iron is entirely absent.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for positioning a stent in a lumen of a living being. The method comprises providing a radiopaque stent comprising a cylindrical main body that includes a cobalt-based alloy as described above. The cobalt-based alloy is deformable in a ductile manner, rendering the radiopaque stent balloon expandable on a delivery system. The stent is initially unexpanded. The stent is transported to a lesion site in the lumen wherein the stent is optionally imaged during transport. The stent is expanded to contact the lesion. The radiopaque stent is imaged during or after expanding the stent.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy may be formed beginning with a cobalt-based alloy that does not contain the platinum group metal or refractory metal, but contains another component to be partially or completely substituted (e.g., nickel) with a platinum group metal or refractory metal. All ingredients would then be melted together (e.g., arc melting, electro-slag remelting, electron beam melting, induction melting, radiant heat melting, microwave melting, or so forth) to produce an ingot which is then processed by conventional metalworking means to produce tubing or other desired forms. Additional elements such as iron, silicon, titanium, manganese and cobalt may also be substituted either partially or completely in addition to the nickel. For example, the substitution may be made by arc melting the alloy in the presence of the substituting element(s). For example, nickel initially present within such a cobalt-chromium alloy may thus be partially or completely substituted with a platinum group metal or refractory metal. In some embodiments, a portion of the cobalt may also be substituted.

In another embodiment, powdered elements of the various constituents of the revised cobalt-based alloy composition may be mixed together and then compacted and sintered so as to form the desired alloy by means of conventional powder metallurgy processing techniques.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy may include cobalt, chromium, and manganese as an austenitic stabilizer, in addition to the one or more platinum group metals, refractory metals, and/or precious metals for increased radiopacity. Such an alloy may be substantially free of nickel, may be entirely free of nickel, or at least include a reduced amount of nickel as compared to L-605 (10 weight percent Ni). The alloy may include no or limited amounts of added iron (e.g., no more than 20 weight percent iron, no more than 16 weight percent iron, no more than 4 weight percent iron, or no added iron). Manganese may be included in amounts from 1 to 25 weight percent, 1 to 17 weight percent, or 1 to 10 weight percent. Where manganese and nickel are both included, the combined weight percentages of Mn+Ni may be from 1 to 25 weight percent, 1 to 17 weight percent, or 1 to 10 weight percent. Similarly, the combined weight percentages of Mn+Ni+Fe may be from 1 to 25 weight percent, 1 to 17 weight percent, or 1 to 10 weight percent.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy includes cobalt, chromium, an austenitic stabilizer for cobalt including a combination of manganese and optionally nickel, and one or more platinum group metals, refractory metals, or precious metals. The nickel may be included at less than 5 weight percent (if at all) and the alloy may comprise only limited iron content (e.g., no more than 20 weight percent) if any iron is included at all.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy includes cobalt, chromium, an austenitic stabilizer for cobalt including a combination of manganese and nickel, the nickel content being less than that included in L-605 alloy (10 weight percent). The alloy includes one or more platinum group metals, refractory metals, or precious metals. The nickel may be included from 5 to 8 weight percent and the alloy may comprise only limited iron content (e.g., no more than 4 weight percent) if any iron is included at all. A combined weight percentage of the manganese and nickel may be from 7 weight percent to 10 weight percent.

In an embodiment, the cobalt-based alloy is one which increases radiopacity as compared to L-605 by increasing tungsten content, but in a way that ensures a primarily single-phase alloy structure, that is maintained as face-centered-cubic (FCC), even above the normal solubility limit of tungsten in such a solid solution. Such an alloy may not replace any of the nickel present in L-605 with another element, but may maintain such nickel, even in light of any allergy concerns, in order to ensure austenitic stability, and FCC phase stability, even at super-saturated tungsten content.

Tungsten ordinarily causes separation into two phases in a cobalt-chromium alloy at concentrations above 15% tungsten by weight. By processing the alloy during manufacture in a particular manner, it is possible to increase the tungsten content above this threshold, while at the same time maintaining the desired content of a primarily single-phase FCC crystalline structure by limiting the particle size and volume fraction or weight percent of any second phase particles. Such a primarily single-phase structure provides advantageous and desired mechanical and physical properties (e.g., avoidance of segregated, brittle intermetallic phases such as Co₃W and the like) as compared to what would normally occur in Co—Cr alloys with elevated tungsten content as a result of the tungsten causing separation into two coarse phases or formation of a second phase with a large particle size, while at the same time delivering increased radiopacity as a result of the elevated tungsten content, all while maintaining the super-saturated tungsten content in a primarily single-phase FCC structure with only extremely fine particles of a second phase. Tungsten may be elevated to a super-saturated level, such as up to about 35% by weight of the alloy, or such as about 20-35% by weight of the alloy. Supersaturation may be attained by heating to form a solid solution and then quickly cooling to avoid formation of a second phase or using powder metallurgy processes with rapid cooling rates to create very fine powders of the alloy that limit the formation of a second phase and the size of second phase particles.

The maintenance of the primarily single-phase FCC crystalline structure in the alloy with elevated tungsten can optionally allow for age hardening, which controls the separation of phases such that second phase exists only as extremely fine particles. By using specific temperature and time parameters, the alloy may be strengthened through the formation of extremely fine precipitates of Co₃W while preserving the advantages of the primarily single-phase material with super-saturated tungsten content.

The alloy may be used to form a radiopaque stent. The radiopaque stent comprises a cylindrical main body, where the body is formed (e.g., entirely) from the Co—Cr alloy with super-saturated tungsten content, while maintaining a primarily single-phase FCC microstructure.

The alloy may include chromium (e.g., in a concentration of about 20% by weight), tungsten in a concentration above its solubility limit in a cobalt-chromium alloy, such as up to about 35% by weight of the alloy, or such as about 20-35% by weight of the alloy, while also including nickel in a concentration of 5-15% by weight (e.g., about 10% by weight), manganese in a concentration of 0-5% by weight, iron in a concentration of 0-5% by weight and other trace elements in a concentration of 1% maximum, 0.5% maximum, 0.3% maximum, 0.2% maximum, 0.1% maximum, 0.05% maximum, or 0.01% maximum. Exemplary trace elements may include silicon (e.g., up to about 0.2%), phosphorus (up to about 0.02%), and sulfur (up to about 0.02%). Other trace elements typically present in an L-605 alloy (e.g., beryllium, boron, carbon) may be absent, or at least present at lower concentration than the L-605 standard permits. According to a further embodiment of the radiopaque Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy of the present invention, the alloy is substantially free of molybdenum, carbon and/or other elements not mentioned as included, as deliberate alloying elements. The phrase “substantially free” as used herein may include less than 0.05%, less than 0.04%, less than 0.03%, less than 0.02%, less than 0.01% or preferably 0% by weight. The alloy of course also includes tungsten in a concentration above its solubility limit in a cobalt-chromium alloy, such as at 20-35% by weight, but is processed in a manner to ensure that the alloy is of a primarily homogeneous single-phase with only extremely fine and uniformly dispersed particles of a second phase (e.g., FCC, primarily single-phase solid solution). The phrase “primarily single-phase” as used herein may include less than 10% volume fraction of a second phase, less than 7%, less than 5% or less than 3% (e.g., up to about 2%), or less than about 16 weight percent of a second phase, less than 14 weight percent, less than 10 weight percent, less than 8 weight percent, less than 6 weight percent or less than 4 weight percent (e.g., up to about 3 weight percent), wherein the particles of the second phase have a maximum or even average particle size of 0.5 μm to 5 μm, including a maximum or average particle size of 3 μm, or a maximum or average particle size of less than 15 μm. Any such second phase is finely dispersed, e.g., with a maximum or average particle size that may be less than 10% of the wall thickness of the stent wall. For example, where the wall thickness may be 50 to 100 μm, or 75 to 100 μm, maximum or even average particle size of any finely dispersed second phase may be less than 10% that of the wall thickness (e.g., 5 μm or less, 4 μm or less, 3 μm or less, 2 μm or less, or even 1 μm or less) so that the presence of any such second phase has a minimal impact on desired mechanical properties. Again, a primarily homogeneous single-phase structure is attained by heating into a molten form to about at least 1300° C., about at least 1400° C. or about at least 1500° C. followed by rapid cooling, such as by using powder metallurgy processes with rapid cooling rates to create very fine powders of the alloy that limit the formation of a second phase and the size of second phase particles.

The balance of the alloy is cobalt, e.g., about 30-50% by weight. As tungsten content increases, it may substitute for reduced cobalt content. For example, where 20% by weight tungsten is included, cobalt may be at about 45 to 50%, or 46-48%. Where 25% by weight tungsten is included cobalt may be at about 5 percentage points lower (e.g., 40 to 45%, or 41 to 43% by weight). Similarly, at 30% by weight tungsten, cobalt may be another 5 percentage points lower (e.g., 35 to 40%, or 36 to 38% by weight). At 35% by weight tungsten, which is extremely super-saturated in tungsten content, cobalt may be another 5 percentage points lower (e.g., 30% to 35%, or 31 to 33% by weight). Thus in an embodiment including 20% tungsten, the tungsten/cobalt weight percent ratio (W/Co) may be about from 0.35 to 0.5, or from 0.4 to about 0.45, in an embodiment including 25% tungsten, the W/Co ratio may be from about 0.5 to 0.7, or from about 0.57 to 0.63. In an embodiment including 30% tungsten, the W/Co ratio may be from about 0.7 to about 0.9, or from 0.79 to 0.85, and in an embodiment including 30% Tungsten, the W/Co wt. % ratio may actually be 1 or greater, such as from 1 to 1.2, or from 1.07 to 1.13.

In an embodiment, the alloy may comprise no more than 1%, no more than 0.5%, no more than 0.4%, no more than 0.3%, no more than 0.2%, no more than 0.1%, no more than 0.05%, no more than 0.03%, or no more than 0.02% of any of silicon, phosphorous or sulfur by weight.

A primarily homogeneous single-phase structure is attained by heating into a molten form to about at least 1300° C., about at least 1400° C. or about at least 1500° C. followed by rapid cooling, such as by using powder metallurgy processes with rapid cooling rates to create very fine powders of the alloy that limit the formation of a second phase and the size of second phase particles.

The present application incorporates by reference in its entirety, another application by Applicant, bearing attorney docket number 17066.141, filed the same day as the present application.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments may be used in combination with one another, without limitation. For example, any of the compositional limitations described with respect to one embodiment (e.g., limited iron content, limited content of other elements, or the like) may be present in any of the other described embodiments. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially in section, of a radiopaque stent according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a delivery catheter and disposed within a damaged lumen;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view, partially in section, showing the radiopaque stent of FIG. 1 within a damaged lumen;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view, partially in section, showing the radiopaque stent of FIG. 1 expanded within the lumen after withdrawal of the delivery catheter;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a phase diagram for cobalt-chromium;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a phase diagram for cobalt-nickel;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a phase diagram for nickel-chromium;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a phase diagram for cobalt-tungsten;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a phase diagram for chromium-tungsten;

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a phase diagram for nickel-tungsten;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-cobalt;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a phase diagram for chromium-molybdenum;

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a phase diagram for nickel-molybdenum;

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a phase diagram for silver-cobalt;

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a phase diagram for chromium-silver;

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a phase diagram for silver-molybdenum;

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a phase diagram for gold-cobalt;

FIGS. 17A and 17B show a phase diagram for gold-chromium;

FIGS. 18A and 18B show a phase diagram for gold-molybdenum;

FIGS. 19A and 19B show a phase diagram for gold-tungsten;

FIGS. 20A and 20B show a phase diagram for cobalt-hafnium;

FIGS. 21A and 21B show a phase diagram for chromium-hafnium;

FIGS. 22A and 22B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-hafnium;

FIGS. 23A and 23B show a phase diagram for hafnium-tungsten;

FIGS. 24A and 24B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-cobalt;

FIGS. 25A and 25B show a phase diagram for chromium-molybdenum;

FIGS. 26A and 26B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-tungsten;

FIGS. 27A and 27B show a phase diagram for niobium-cobalt;

FIGS. 28A and 28B show a phase diagram for chromium-niobium;

FIGS. 29A and 29B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-niobium;

FIGS. 30A and 30B show a phase diagram for niobium-tungsten;

FIGS. 31A and 31B show a phase diagram for cobalt-rhenium;

FIGS. 32A and 32B show a phase diagram for chromium-rhenium;

FIGS. 33A and 33B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-rhenium;

FIGS. 34A and 34B show a phase diagram for rhenium-tungsten;

FIGS. 35A and 35B show a phase diagram for cobalt-tantalum;

FIGS. 36A and 36B show a phase diagram for chromium-tantalum;

FIGS. 37A and 37B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-tantalum;

FIGS. 38A and 38B show a phase diagram for tantalum-tungsten;

FIGS. 39A and 39B show a phase diagram for cobalt-tungsten;

FIGS. 40A and 40B show a phase diagram for chromium-tungsten;

FIGS. 41A and 41B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-tungsten;

FIGS. 42A and 42B show a phase diagram for cobalt-zirconium;

FIGS. 43A and 43B show a phase diagram for zirconium-chromium;

FIGS. 44A and 44B show a phase diagram for molybdenum-zirconium;

FIGS. 45A and 45B show a phase diagram for tungsten-zirconium;

FIGS. 46A and 46B show a phase diagram for cobalt-iron;

FIGS. 47A and 47B show a phase diagram for cobalt-palladium;

FIGS. 48A and 48B show a phase diagram for cobalt-platinum;

FIGS. 49A and 49B show a phase diagram for chromium-iron;

FIGS. 50A and 50B show a phase diagram for chromium-palladium;

FIGS. 51A and 51B show a phase diagram for chromium-platinum;

FIGS. 52A and 52B show a phase diagram for iron-palladium;

FIGS. 53A and 53B show a phase diagram for iron-platinum; and

FIGS. 54A and 54B show a phase diagram for palladium-platinum.

FIG. 55 shows an additional phase diagram for cobalt-tungsten, in addition to those of FIGS. 7A-7B and 39A-39B.

FIG. 56 shows an additional phase diagram for chromium-tungsten, in addition to those of FIGS. 8A-8B and 40A-40B.

FIG. 57 shows an additional phase diagram for nickel-tungsten, in addition to that of FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIG. 58 shows a ternary phase diagram for cobalt-nickel-tungsten at 500K.

FIG. 59 shows a ternary phase diagram for cobalt-nickel-tungsten at 1000K.

FIG. 60 shows a ternary phase diagram for cobalt-nickel-tungsten at 1500K.

FIG. 61a shows an SEM image of an as cast ingot of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy having 20% W content and a coarse second phase.

FIG. 61b shows an SEM image of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy according to FIG. 61a at an increased resolution.

FIG. 61c shows an SEM image of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy according to FIG. 61a at an increased resolution.

FIG. 62a shows an SEM image of an as cast ingot of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy having 25% W content and a coarse second phase.

FIG. 62b shows an SEM image of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy according to FIG. 62a at an increased resolution

FIG. 62c shows an SEM image of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy according to FIG. 62a at an increased resolution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Introduction

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to radiopaque cobalt alloys, radiopaque implantable structures (e.g., stents) and related methods of manufacture and use. A radiopaque stent may include a cylindrical main body comprising a radiopaque cobalt-based alloy including cobalt, chromium, and one or more platinum group metals (i.e., one or more of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, or iridium), refractory metals (i.e., zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, silver, or gold), or combinations thereof. Advantageously the alloys are substantially nickel free (e.g., include no more than about 2% by weight nickel, more typically no more than 1% nickel by weight). In one embodiment, the alloy is entirely free of nickel. By entirely free of nickel, it will be understood that minute trace fractions of nickel may still be present in some embodiments based on the fact that the alloy includes cobalt, and it can be very difficult, if not a practical impossibility to entirely separate trace amounts of nickel from the cobalt. In any event, where the alloy is “entirely” free of nickel, no nickel is intentionally added to the alloy.

Some patients exhibit an allergic reaction to nickel, and so providing a nickel-free alloy is advantageous as it increases the biocompatibility of the alloy. In addition, the inclusion of the nickel limits the degree of radiopacity that may be achieved. In addition, the alloy preferably does not include a large fraction of iron. For example, in one embodiment, the alloy includes no more than about 20% by weight iron, more preferably no more than about 16% by weight iron, no more than about 10% by weight iron, or no more than about 8% by weight iron. In another embodiment, iron is present, if at all, in an amount not greater than about 4% by weight, more typically not greater than about 3% by weight. In another embodiment, the alloy is iron-free. Similar to the meaning of nickel-free, the term iron-free means that no iron is intentionally added to the alloy, although trace amounts may be present as impurities carried in the other elements. Limiting the amount of iron within the alloy allows other elements to be present that provide for better radiopacity and corrosion resistance than does iron. In addition, it may reduce any magnetic characteristics of the resulting metal alloy, which may be helpful in conjunction with MRI and/or other imaging techniques.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an implantable radiopaque device, such as a stent, that is formed of a radiopaque cobalt-chromium-nickel-tungsten (Co—Cr—Ni—W) alloy, in which the tungsten content is specifically elevated above its normal solubility limit in cobalt-chromium, but in a way to ensure that the alloy maintains a primarily single-phase, FCC microstructure. While tungsten typically separates into two phases at concentrations of about 15% by weight at typically employed thermal processing conditions, conditions employed according to the present disclosure allow elevated tungsten concentrations, e.g., from 20-35% tungsten by weight. By increasing the amount of tungsten in the alloy while retaining a primarily single-phase, FCC microstructure, the alloy enables a stent with a higher radiopacity without the use of high cost platinum group metals or precious metals, or other refractory metals, while maintaining advantageous mechanical properties, chemical processing behavior and corrosion performance associated with a single-phase material.

II. Radiopaque Stent and Cobalt-Based Alloy Embodiments

According to various embodiments, the radiopaque stent is imagable during fluoroscopy. Due to the enhanced radiopacity, the entire stent is better observed by the practitioner placing the stent. The image observed by the practitioner is thus less likely to be too faint due to insufficient radiopacity or the lumen is not visible from excessive radiopacity. Because of the improved image, the stent is more easily and accurately positioned and manipulated within a lumen of a patient. Because the radiopaque composition from which the stent is formed has greater radiopacity per unit thickness than alternative alloys, the stent may also be formed at thinner thickness all the while providing a desired level of radiopacity performance. An additional advantage to the better radiopacity is the visualization of the stent and the underlying vessel during follow-up examinations by the practitioner. Because the entire stent is radiopaque, the diameter and length of the stent are readily discerned by the practitioner. Also, because the stent itself is made of the radiopaque alloy, the stent does not have problems associated with radiopaque coatings, such as cracking, separation, or corrosion. Also, because the entire stent is radiopaque, the stent does not require extra markers with their attendant issues. In an embodiment, such coatings or markers may be absent.

The strength of the alloy material is sufficient that the stent may be manufactured with a low profile. The low profile of the disclosed cobalt-based alloy stents, coupled with its enhanced radiopacity renders the stent easily deliverable with easier observation and detection throughout its therapeutic use than stents heretofore available. A stent constructed of the specific contemplated cobalt-based alloys can be made thinner than one of stainless steel without sacrificing fluoroscopic visibility. The low profile of the disclosed cobalt-based stents renders the stent more easily deliverable with greater flexibility.

Furthermore, improved radiopacity of the low profile stent increases deliverability of the stent and offers additional performance advantages in the form of decreased fluid mechanics disturbances to blood flow and more rapid reendothelialization. Improved radiopacity assists the practitioner in placing the device precisely. Inflation of the stent is better monitored because the stent is more readily visible to the practitioner. This visibility reduces the incidence and probability of an under-deployed stent. Further, in-stent restenosis may be more accurately monitored as the stent and an injected contrast agent are able to be imaged simultaneously. Unlike some stents, the disclosed stents do not produce an image which is too bright, thereby obscuring imaging of the underlying vessel morphology.

Many cobalt-based alloys, although very strong, have insufficient ductility for use in a stent. The cobalt-based alloys described herein preferably have at least 20% or greater elongation and thereby achieve adequate stent expansion. Some of the disclosed cobalt-based alloys also include elements such as tungsten or molybdenum. These elements not only strengthen, but also contribute to the overall excellent radiopacity of the cobalt-based alloy (particularly in the case of tungsten). These elements (e.g., tungsten or molybdenum) may also improve corrosion resistance and a resistance to oxidation at high temperatures of the cobalt-based alloy.

For example, cobalt-chromium alloy L-605, covered by ASTM standard F90, includes about 15% by weight tungsten (e.g., just below the solubility limit of tungsten in cobalt-chromium). Alloy L-605 has a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 125 ksi, a minimum yield strength of 45 ksi and a minimum total elongation of 30%. According to one embodiment of the invention, the alloy is similar to L-605, in which substantially all of the nickel of L-605 has been replaced with a platinum group metal, a refractory metal, or combinations thereof. For example, alloy L-605 contains about 10% by weight nickel. By substituting the nickel with a platinum group metal or refractory metal, the relative radiopacity of the resulting alloy is increased relative to alloy L-605, and the resulting alloy is advantageously nickel free or substantially nickel free. Other embodiments described herein do not replace the nickel, but include elevated levels of the refractory metal tungsten, in particular.

Another exemplary alloy which may be similarly modified is Elgiloy, covered by ASTM standard F1058 Grade 1. Phynox is an alternative alloy composition similar to that of Elgiloy. Phynox is covered by ASTM standard F1058 Grade 2. Elgiloy is a cobalt-chromium alloy containing about 40% by weight cobalt, about 20% by weight chromium, about 16% by weight iron, about 15% by weight nickel, about 7% by weight molybdenum, and about 2% by weight manganese. Phynox is similar, but the manganese is replaced with iron. The nickel may be substituted with a platinum group metal or refractory metal so as to result in an alloy having increased relative radiopacity and that is nickel free or substantially nickel free. In another embodiment, the platinum group metal or refractory metal may also replace all or a part of the iron and/or manganese.

Another exemplary alloy which may be similarly modified is MP-35N, covered by ASTM standard F562. MP-35N is a cobalt-chromium alloy containing about 35% by weight cobalt, about 20% by weight chromium, about 35% by weight nickel, about 10% by weight molybdenum, and about 1% maximum iron. The nickel may be substituted with a platinum group metal or refractory metal so as to result in an alloy having increased relative radiopacity and that is nickel free or substantially nickel free. In another embodiment, the platinum group metal or refractory metal may replace all or a part of the iron as well.

In additional embodiments, upon completely replacing the nickel, a portion of the cobalt may also be replaced by the platinum group metal(s) or refractory metal(s), based on the overall increase in radiopacity that is desired. This substitution may be performed for any cobalt-based alloy, including those described above. To maintain a single-phase microstructure, it is suggested that the cobalt be substituted with a platinum group element or refractory metal that has substantially complete mutual solid solubility with cobalt. Furthermore, in some embodiments, some of the chromium or another element in the known alloy may also be replaced.

Atomic substitution takes an “atom for atom” approach in alloy modification by employing atomic weight. Atomic weight is commonly understood to be weight per mole of atoms. Atomic substitution maintains the stoichiometry of the original alloy when substituting, which may be an important approach when working with ordered alloys and when maintaining a particular phase structure. Atomic substitution may be more commonly understood in the art than volumetric substitution.

Volumetric substitution accounts for both the atomic radii and the crystal structure that the element naturally takes in the solid form, by employing atomic volume. Atomic volume is commonly understood to be volume per mole of atoms in the solid phase. This approach provides insight into effects on the host lattice by the substituting atom(s). This approach may allow for better retaining and understanding of the workability and mechanical strength of the modified alloy.

Substitution on a weight percent basis results in alloys that have comparatively less of the platinum group elements (or refractory elements), as all of them have greater atomic weight and density than the majority of elements being substituted for in the original cobalt-based alloys. Utilizing weight percent for substitution may be more typically employed for cobalt-based alloys where the elements have similar atomic weights, such as stainless steels, which are comprised primarily of iron, chromium and nickel.

Due to the low atomic weight of nickel compared to that of the platinum group metals (and somewhat less so as compared to the refractory metals), it will readily be realized that substituting for nickel would produce significantly different overall alloy compositions if the substitution were based on weight percentage as compared to atomic percentage. This is an important consideration with regard to radiopacity, because the attenuation of x-rays by a given material is largely dictated by the energy of the electron orbitals surrounding its atoms and their nuclei. Elements with more massive nuclei, and correspondingly higher energy orbitals, attenuate x-rays to a much greater extent than those with lighter nuclei, which explains why metals like tantalum, tungsten, platinum, and gold are inherently more radiopaque than lighter metals like chromium, iron, cobalt, and nickel. Thus, when substituting a platinum group metal (or a refractory metal) for nickel in a given alloy, the resulting impact on radiopacity is considerably greater when the nickel is replaced on an atom-for-atom basis rather than gram-for-gram. The impact of a given alloying element on many of an alloy's chemical properties, such as corrosion resistance, also depends on the atomic percentage present.

While nickel is the preferred element to be substituted by a platinum group or refractory metal for biocompatibility reasons, in some embodiments other elements in commercial cobalt-based alloys may be replaced (i.e., substituted), particularly if greater radiopacity is desired. Note that iron and manganese are minor alloying elements in L-605, iron and silicon are minor alloying elements in Elgiloy, and iron and titanium are minor alloying elements in MP-35N. These elements are not considered essential, with regard to corrosion behavior and room-temperature mechanical properties, especially if other impurities such as carbon and sulfur are held to a minimum, and therefore could be replaced by more of the platinum group metal(s) (or refractory metal(s)) and thereby simplify the overall composition while further increasing radiopacity. Should radiopacity still be insufficient after nickel and these minor alloying elements have been fully substituted, a portion of the cobalt could also be replaced by the platinum group metal(s) or refractory metals. This strategy would more likely be applied to cobalt-based alloys that contain lesser amounts of nickel, such as L-605.

Nickel plays an important role in commercial cobalt-based alloys. As in iron-based stainless steels, nickel serves as an “austenite stabilizer” in cobalt-based alloys. That is, nickel suppresses cobalt's allotropic transformation from a face-centered-cubic (“FCC”) crystal structure at high temperatures to a hexagonal-close-packed (“HCP”) structure at low temperatures. In pure cobalt, this transformation naturally occurs at around 422° C. The addition of nickel significantly reduces cobalt's transformation temperature, thereby favoring the FCC structure which, in general, is a more ductile and more creep-resistant crystal structure than HCP. Therefore, when substituting nickel with another element, it is important that the replacement also serve as an austenite stabilizer.

By way of example, palladium immediately suppresses cobalt's FCC-to-HCP transformation temperature at relatively small addition levels, whereas platinum, rhodium and iridium initially raise and then ultimately lower the transformation temperature as alloying levels rise, while ruthenium and osmium continuously raise cobalt's transformation temperature as their levels rise. Similar considerations apply in the potential substitution of refractory metals for nickel. Thus, the particular platinum group and/or refractory metal(s) selected and their substitution levels are important considerations with regard to the final crystal structure(s) that will be obtained at ambient temperatures. As further described herein, one issue with tungsten addition is attempting to increase tungsten content above its solubility limit (about 15% by weight) normally causes phase separation in which the tungsten separates into two phases in the cobalt-chromium solution matrix.

As explained in further detail below in conjunction with Tables 7-10 and Examples 90-132, manganese can serve to suppress cobalt's FCC-to-HCP transformation, and as such, may be included as an austenitic stabilizer.

Chromium also plays an important role in commercial cobalt-based alloys. As in iron-based stainless steels, chromium is also a powerful corrosion inhibitor in cobalt-based alloys. Corrosion and elevated-temperature oxidation behavior are substantially improved by the stable, tightly adhering chromium oxide layer that spontaneously forms when chromium containing cobalt-based alloys are exposed to air or other oxidizing environments. This layer serves to protect these alloys in a variety of otherwise corrosive environments, including saline and blood. For this reason, it is beneficial when substituting nickel and possibly other elements with platinum group and/or refractory metals that the resulting alloy composition contain sufficient chromium that adequate corrosion resistance is maintained. Iron-based austenitic stainless steels like types 304 and 316 typically contain approximately 18% by weight chromium, whereas L-605, Elgiloy, and MP-35N each contain about 20% by weight. Thus, it is not recommended that platinum group metals and/or refractory metals replace significant amounts of the chromium present in commercial cobalt-based alloys. Where additional corrosion resistance is warranted, the chromium level may be increased (e.g., to about 25% by weight).

In any case, chromium is present in sufficient amount to inhibit corrosion. Some alloy embodiments may include chromium fractions well below 20% by weight while still achieving this purpose (e.g., at least about 10% by weight, or from about 10% to about 15% by weight). Specific examples of such alloys are found in Table 5 and Examples 78-89. This may be possible particularly where the atomic percentage of chromium remains relatively high (e.g., at least about 20 atomic percent, or at least about 25 atomic percent). The weight percentages are lower in Examples 78-89 because the very dense platinum is included in high fractions.

Generally, alloys based on an L-605 alloy in which the nickel has been replaced on either an atomic or volumetric basis with a platinum group metal may include about 18 weight percent to about 50 weight percent cobalt (e.g., in one embodiment about 40 to about 50 weight percent cobalt), about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium (e.g., in one embodiment about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, about 15 to about 20 weight percent chromium, or about 20 weight percent chromium), about 10 weight percent to about 15 weight percent tungsten, about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, about 0 weight percent to about 3 weight percent iron, and about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of a platinum group metal. One embodiment may include about 10 weight percent to about 35 weight percent of a platinum group metal (i.e., platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, or combinations thereof). Examples of such materials are further described below in conjunction with Table 1 and Examples 1-12. Trace elements included within this alloy may not be shown unless they are called out for substitutional purposes.

Generally, alloys based on an ASTM F1058 alloy (e.g., Elgiloy or Phynox) in which at least the nickel has been replaced (e.g., iron and/or manganese may also be replaced) on an atomic basis with a platinum group metal may include about 22 weight percent to about 40 weight percent cobalt, about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium (e.g., in one embodiment about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, about 15 to about 20 weight percent chromium, or about 20 weight percent chromium), about 4 weight percent to about 7 weight percent molybdenum, about 0 weight percent to about 2 weight percent manganese, about 0 weight percent to about 18 weight percent iron, and about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of a platinum group metal (i.e., platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, or combinations thereof). One example may include about 15 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of a platinum group metal. Examples of such materials are further described below in conjunction with Table 2 and Examples 13-20. Trace elements included within this alloy may not be shown unless they are called out for substitutional purposes.

Another alloy based on an ASTM F1058 alloy could replace the nickel with a refractory metal (e.g., silver, gold, hafnium, niobium, rhenium, tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, or combinations thereof), and include weight fractions as described above, but in which the refractory metal (rather than a platinum group metal) is included from about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent, or from about 15 weight percent to about 65 weight percent.

Generally, alloys based on an MP-35N alloy in which the nickel has been replaced on an atomic percentage basis by a platinum group metal may include about 18 weight percent to about 39 weight percent cobalt (e.g., one embodiment may include about 18 to about 35 weight percent cobalt), about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium (e.g., in one embodiment about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, about 15 to about 20 weight percent chromium, about 10 to about 21 weight percent chromium, or about 20 weight percent chromium), about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent molybdenum, and about 10 weight percent to about 65 weight percent of a platinum group metal (i.e., platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, or combinations thereof). One embodiment may include about 40 to about 65 weight percent of a platinum group metal. Examples of such materials are further described below in conjunction with Table 3 and Examples 21-24. Trace elements included within this alloy may not be shown unless they are called out for substitutional purposes.

Generally, alloys based on an L-605 alloy in which the nickel has been replaced on a weight percentage basis with a refractory metal may include about 18 weight percent to about 55 weight percent cobalt (e.g., in one embodiment about 20 to about 55 weight percent cobalt), about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium (e.g., in one embodiment about 20 weight percent chromium), about 0 weight percent to about 15 weight percent tungsten, and about 10 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of a substituting refractory metal selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, hafnium, niobium, rhenium, tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, or combinations thereof. One embodiment may include about 10 weight percent to about 45 weight percent of the substituting refractory metal (i.e., silver, gold, hafnium, niobium, rhenium, tantalum, molybdenum, zirconium, or combinations thereof). Examples of such alloys are further described below in conjunction with Table 1 and Examples 25-28, 31-33, 36-38, 41-43, 46-47, 50-52, 55-57, 60, 65-66, and 69. Other trace elements (e.g., manganese, iron, etc.) may be present in small amounts of about 0 to about 3 percent by weight. Trace elements included within this alloy may not be shown unless they are called out for substitutional purposes. Other embodiments (Examples 133-136) described herein maintain the L-605 nickel content, and increase tungsten content above its normal solubility limit, while at the same time maintaining a primarily single-phase FCC microstructure, by ensuring particular processing conditions are used in manufacture.

L-605 alloy already contains about 15 weight percent tungsten. An alloy based on an L-605 alloy in which the nickel has been replaced on a weight percentage basis with the refractory metal tungsten may include about 18 weight percent to about 55 weight percent cobalt (e.g., in one embodiment about 20 to about 55 weight percent cobalt), about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium (e.g., in one embodiment about 20 weight percent chromium), and about 25 weight percent to about 60 weight percent tungsten. One embodiment may include about 25 weight percent to about 45 weight percent of the substituting refractory metal tungsten. Examples of such tungsten alloys are further described below in conjunction with Table 1 and Examples 61-62. Other trace elements (e.g., manganese, iron, etc.) may be present in small amounts of about 0 to about 3 percent by weight. Other examples are also disclosed (Examples 133-136), also based on L-605, but where the nickel fraction is maintained, and tungsten concentration is increased in specific manner in which primarily single-phase characteristics are maintained.

Generally, alloys based on an MP-35N alloy in which the nickel has been replaced on a weight percentage basis by a refractory metal may include about 18 weight percent to about 39 weight percent cobalt (e.g., one embodiment may include about 20 to about 35 weight percent cobalt), about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium (e.g., one embodiment may include about 20 weight percent chromium), about 0 weight percent to about 10 weight percent molybdenum, and about 35 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of a substituting refractory metal (i.e., silver, gold, hafnium, niobium, rhenium, tantalum, tungsten, zirconium, or combinations thereof). One embodiment may include about 35 to about 50 weight percent of a substituting refractory metal. Examples of such materials are further described below in conjunction with Table 3 and Examples 29-31, 34-36, 39-41, 44-45, 48-50, 53-55, 58-60, 63-64, and 67-69. Trace elements included within this alloy may not be shown unless they are called out for substitutional purposes.

MP-35N alloy already contains about 10 weight percent molybdenum. An alloy based on an MP-35N alloy in which the nickel has been replaced on a weight percentage basis with the refractory metal molybdenum may include about 18 weight percent to about 39 weight percent cobalt (e.g., in one embodiment about 20 to about 35 weight percent cobalt), about 15 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium (e.g., in one embodiment about 20 weight percent chromium), and about 45 weight percent to about 60 weight percent molybdenum. Examples of such molybdenum alloys are further described below in conjunction with Table 1 and Examples 44-45. Other trace elements (e.g., manganese, iron, etc.) may be present in small amounts of about 0 to about 3 percent by weight.

One type of radiopaque stent design embodiment is a high precision patterned cylindrical device. This device is illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1. The stent 10 typically comprises a plurality of radially expanded cylindrical elements 12 disposed generally coaxially and interconnected by elements 13 disposed between adjacent cylindrical elements.

For some embodiments, the stent 10 is expanded by a delivery catheter 11. The delivery catheter 11 has an expandable portion or a balloon 14 for expanding of the stent 10 within an artery 15. The delivery catheter 11 onto which the stent 10 is mounted may be similar to a conventional balloon dilation catheter used for angioplasty procedures. The artery 15, as shown in FIG. 1, has a dissected lining 16 which has occluded a portion of the arterial passageway.

Each radially expandable cylindrical element 12 of the radiopaque stent 10 may be independently expandable. Therefore, the balloon 14 may be provided with an inflated shape other than cylindrical, e.g., tapered, to facilitate implantation of the stent 10 in a variety of body lumen shapes.

The delivery of the radiopaque stent 10 is accomplished by mounting the stent 10 onto the inflatable balloon 14 on the distal extremity of the delivery catheter 11. The catheter-stent assembly is introduced within the patient's vasculature using conventional techniques through a guiding catheter which is not shown. A guidewire 18 is disposed across the damaged arterial section and then the catheter-stent assembly is advanced over a guidewire 18 within the artery 15 until the stent 10 is directly under detached lining 16 of the damaged arterial section. The balloon 14 of the catheter is expanded, expanding the stent 10 against the artery 15, which is illustrated in FIG. 2. While not shown in the drawing, the artery 15 may preferably be expanded slightly by the expansion of the stent 10 to seat or otherwise fix the stent 10 to prevent movement. In some circumstances during the treatment of a stenotic portion of an artery, the artery may have to be expanded considerably in order to facilitate passage of blood or other fluid therethrough. This expansion is easily observable by the practitioner with the disclosed radiopaque stents.

The stent 10 serves to hold open the artery 15 after the catheter 11 is withdrawn, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Due to the formation of the stent 10 from the elongated tubular member, the undulating component of the cylindrical elements of the stent 10 is relatively flat in transverse cross section so that when the stent is expanded, the cylindrical elements are pressed into the wall of the artery 15 and as a result do not interfere with the blood flow through the artery 15. The cylindrical elements 12 of the stent 10 which are pressed into the wall of the artery 15 are eventually covered with endothelial cell growth which further minimizes blood flow interference. The undulating pattern of the cylindrical sections 12 provides good characteristics to prevent stent movement within the artery. Furthermore, the closely spaced cylindrical elements at regular intervals provide uniform support for the wall of the artery 15, and consequently are well adapted to tack up and hold in place small flaps or dissections in the wall of the artery 15 as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3. The undulating pattern of the radiopaque stent is readily discernable to the practitioner performing the procedure.

Additional details of exemplary stents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,250,058, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TABLE 1 ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy Weight Atomic Volume Element Percent Percent Percent Cobalt 53.4 53.9 51.6 Chromium 20 24.4 25.2 Tungsten 15 5.2 7.1 Nickel 10 10.8 10.2 Manganese (maximum) 1.5 2.3 2.4 Iron (maximum) 0.1 3.4 3.5

Examples 1-12 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 in which only the nickel has been replaced on an atomic substitution basis or a volumetric substitution basis with a platinum group metal. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur are not listed.

Example 1—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Platinum

Element Atomic Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 53.9 40.6 Chromium 24.4 16.2 Tungsten 5.2 12.2 Platinum 10.8 27.0 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 1.6 Iron (maximum) 3.4 2.4

Example 2—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Platinum

Element Weight Percent Volume Percent Cobalt 43.8 51.6 Chromium 17.5 25.2 Tungsten 13.2 7.1 Platinum 21.1 10.2 Manganese (maximum) 1.8 2.4 Iron (maximum) 2.6 3.5

Example 3—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Palladium

Element Atomic Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 53.9 46.2 Chromium 24.4 18.5 Tungsten 5.2 13.9 Palladium 10.8 16.8 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 1.8 Iron (maximum) 3.4 2.8

Example 4—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Palladium

Element Volume Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 51.6 48.3 Chromium 25.2 19.3 Tungsten 7.1 14.4 Palladium 10.2 13.1 Manganese (maximum) 2.4 2 Iron (maximum) 3.5 2.9

Example 5—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Rhodium

Element Atomic Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 53.9 46.5 Chromium 24.4 18.6 Tungsten 5.2 13.9 Rhodium 10.8 16.3 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 1.9 Iron (maximum) 3.4 2.8

Example 6—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Rhodium

Element Volume Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 51.6 48.1 Chromium 25.2 19.2 Tungsten 7.1 14.4 Rhodium 10.2 13.4 Manganese (maximum) 2.4 2 Iron (maximum) 3.5 2.9

Example 7—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Iridium

Element Atomic Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 53.9 40.7 Chromium 24.4 16.3 Tungsten 5.2 12.3 Iridium 10.8 26.7 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 1.6 Iron (maximum) 3.4 2.4

Example 8—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Iridium

Element Volume Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 51.6 43.4 Chromium 25.2 17.4 Tungsten 7.1 13 Iridium 10.2 21.9 Manganese (maximum) 2.4 1.7 Iron (maximum) 3.5 2.6

Example 9—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Ruthenium

Element Atomic Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 53.9 46.6 Chromium 24.4 18.7 Tungsten 5.2 14.0 Ruthenium 10.8 16.1 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 1.9 Iron (maximum) 3.4 2.8

Example 10—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Ruthenium

Element Volume Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 51.6 48.2 Chromium 25.2 19.3 Tungsten 7.1 14.5 Ruthenium 10.2 13.2 Manganese (maximum) 2.4 1.9 Iron (maximum) 3.5 2.9

Example 11—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Osmium

Element Atomic Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 53.9 40.8 Chromium 24.4 16.3 Tungsten 5.2 12.3 Osmium 10.8 26.5 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 1.6 Iron (maximum) 3.4 2.5

Example 12—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Osmium

Element Volume Percent Weight Percent Cobalt 51.6 43.3 Chromium 25.2 17.3 Tungsten 7.1 13.0 Osmium 10.2 22.0 Manganese (maximum) 2.4 1.7 Iron (maximum) 3.5 2.6

Although Examples 1-12 illustrate complete substitution of the nickel with a platinum group metal, it will be understood that in other embodiments, a small fraction (e.g., about 2% by weight or less) of nickel may remain within the modified alloy. Platinum or palladium substitution is particularly preferred, as these are Group 10 elements, as is nickel. As such, these substitutions would be expected to be the most metallurgically neutral and compatible so as to maintain the strength, ductility, and microstructural integrity (e.g., avoiding phase separations) of the resulting alloy. Group 9 elements (i.e., rhodium or iridium) and Group 8 elements (ruthenium or osmium) may be less likely to substitute metallurgically neutrally for nickel. For example, ruthenium and osmium may decrease the ductility of the alloy. Thus, while such alloys are within the scope of the present disclosure, the Group 9 elements may be more preferred and the Group 10 elements may be most preferred. In another embodiment, one or more Group 11 elements (i.e., silver or gold) may be substituted for the nickel. In addition, although described as substituting a single platinum group metal for the nickel, it will be understood that combinations of two or more platinum group metals (e.g., platinum and palladium) may be used.

Further examples may be envisioned with the ASTM F90 L-605 alloy where the nickel, iron, and manganese have been replaced either completely or partially with palladium, platinum, and/or other Group 8, 9, 10, or 11 elements prior to melting, either singly or in combination with one another. Further examples may be envisioned where at least a portion of the cobalt is replaced by one or more elements from groups 8, 9, 10, or 11 of the periodic table.

TABLE 2 ASTM F1058 Alloy Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Volume Percent Cobalt 40 39.6 37.9 Chromium 20 22.4 23.2 Iron 16 16.7 16.9 Manganese 2 2.1 2.2 Molybdenum 7 4.3 5.7 Nickel 15 14.9 14.1

As with Examples 1-12, Examples 13-16 below based on the F1058 Alloy of Table 2 are representative examples in which the nickel has been replaced either volumetrically-based or atomically-based with palladium or platinum. As with the ASTM F90 L-605 alloy, substitutions may occur from Group 8, 9, 10, and/or 11 elements. Trace metal elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur are not listed.

Example 13—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Platinum

Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Cobalt 29.7 39.6 Chromium 14.8 22.4 Iron 11.9 16.7 Manganese 1.5 2.1 Molybdenum 5.2 4.3 Platinum 37.0 14.9

Example 14—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Platinum

Element Weight Percent Volume Percent Cobalt 33 37.9 Chromium 16.5 23.2 Iron 13.2 16.9 Manganese 1.7 2.2 Molybdenum 5.8 5.7 Platinum 29.8 14.1

Example 15—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel with Palladium

Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Cobalt 35.7 39.6 Chromium 17.8 22.4 Iron 14.2 16.7 Manganese 1.8 2.1 Molybdenum 6.3 4.3 Palladium 24.2 14.9

Example 16—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel with Palladium

Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Cobalt 38.0 37.9 Chromium 19.0 23.2 Iron 15.3 16.9 Manganese 1.9 2.2 Molybdenum 6.7 5.7 Palladium 19.1 14.1

Examples 17-20 below are based on the ASTM F1058 Alloy of Table 2 in which the nickel, iron, and manganese have been replaced with palladium or platinum on either an atomic or volumetric basis. These examples may be further extended to substitution with Group 8, 9, 10, and/or 11 elements. Even further examples may be envisioned where at least part of the cobalt is substituted by one or more elements from groups 8, 9, 10, and/or 11 of the periodic table.

Example 17—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Manganese with Platinum

Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Cobalt 22.3 39.6 Chromium 11.1 22.4 Molybdenum 3.9 4.3 Platinum 62.7 33.7

Example 18—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Manganese with Platinum

Element Weight Percent Volume Percent Cobalt 26.2 37.9 Chromium 13.1 23.2 Molybdenum 4.6 5.7 Platinum 56.1 33.2

Example 19—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Manganese with Palladium

Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Cobalt 31.1 39.6 Chromium 15.5 22.4 Molybdenum 5.5 4.3 Palladium 47.9 33.7

Example 20—ASTM F1058 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Manganese with Palladium

Element Weight Percent Volume Percent Cobalt 34.9 37.9 Chromium 17.4 23.2 Molybdenum 6.1 5.7 Palladium 41.6 33.2

TABLE 3 ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Volume Percent Chromium 20 22.9 23.8 Nickel 35 35.5 33.7 Molybdenum 10 6.2 8.4 Cobalt 35 35.4 34.1

Examples 21-24 below are based on the MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which the nickel, as well as iron and titanium (present in MP-35N in small amounts) have been replaced with palladium or platinum on an atomic or volumetric basis. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed. Further examples are envisioned where elements from groups 8, 9, 10, and/or 11 of the periodic table may be substituted for only the nickel, or also for at least some of the cobalt.

Example 21—ASTM F562 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Titanium with Platinum

Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Chromium 11 22.9 Platinum 64.2 35.5 Molybdenum 5.5 6.2 Cobalt 19.3 35.4

Example 22—ASTM F562 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Titanium with Platinum

Element Weight Percent Volume Percent Chromium 13.4 23.8 Platinum 56.5 33.7 Molybdenum 6.7 8.4 Cobalt 23.4 34.1

Example 23—ASTM F562 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Titanium with Palladium

Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Chromium 15.6 22.9 Palladium 49.4 35.5 Molybdenum 7.8 6.2 Cobalt 27.2 35.4

Example 24—ASTM F562 Alloy with Volumetric Substitution of Nickel, Iron, and Titanium with Palladium

Element Weight Percent Volume Percent Chromium 17.8 23.8 Palladium 42.1 33.7 Molybdenum 8.9 8.4 Cobalt 31.2 34.1

Relative radiopacity (RR) is a comparative measurement useful in comparing the relative radiopacity of various alloy materials. The higher the RR value, the greater the material's radiopacity. For example, 316L stainless steel has a RR value of about 2.5 barnes/cc. The RR values for Examples 1-24, as well as the materials in Tables 1-3 are shown in Table 4 below. As can be seen, the presently disclosed alloys exhibit significantly higher relative radiopacity values than L-605, Elgiloy, or MP-35N alloys. For further comparison purposes, ASTM F138 316L stainless steel has a relative radiopacity of 2.5 barnes/cc.

TABLE 4 Relative Radiopacities Example Relative Radiopacity (barnes/cc) Table 1 (ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy) 3.6 Table 2 (ASTM F1058 Elgiloy Alloy) 3.1 Table 3 (ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy) 3.5 Example 1 6.2 Example 2 5.5 Example 3 5.3 Example 4 4.9 Example 5 5.2 Example 6 4.9 Example 7 6.1 Example 8 5.6 Example 9 5.0 Example 10 4.8 Example 11 5.9 Example 12 5.4 Example 13 6.5 Example 14 5.7 Example 15 5.4 Example 16 4.9 Example 17 10.7 Example 18 9.5 Example 19 8.3 Example 20 7.5 Example 21 11.1 Example 22 9.8 Example 23 8.7 Example 24 7.8

In one embodiment, any of the contemplated cobalt-based alloys may be formed by beginning with a cobalt-based alloy that does not contain the platinum group metal (e.g., L-605, Elgiloy, Phynox, or MP-35N), but contains another component (e.g., nickel) to be partially or completely substituted with the platinum group metal. The substitution may be made by arc or otherwise melting the alloy in the presence of the substituting element(s) or by combining material constituents and then melting. The material constituents may be provided as solid pieces of constituent elements, powder compacts, loose powders, etc. Nickel initially present within such a cobalt-based alloy may thus be partially or completely substituted with a platinum group metal prior to melting (e.g., rather than including nickel, one would include the substituted element). All ingredients would then be melted together to produce an ingot which is then processed by conventional metalworking techniques to produce tubing or other desired forms. The above examples illustrate final compositions for complete substitution of the nickel, but should not be construed as the sole embodiments of the invention.

In another embodiment, powdered elements of the various constituents of the alloy may be mixed together and then compacted and sintered so as to form the desired alloy by means of conventional powder metallurgy processing techniques. Other suitable alloy forming techniques may be apparent to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.

As is apparent from the various examples, the alloys may be patterned after an existing alloy (e.g., ASTM F90 L-605, ASTM F1058 Elgiloy or Phynox, or ASTM F562 MP-35N) in which at least the nickel and optionally the iron, manganese and/or other constituents have been substituted with a platinum group metal. The substitution may proceed so as to maintain the atomic percentage of the original composition, or alternatively, the volume percentage of the original composition. Another embodiment may include weight percentage substitution with the platinum group metal. In other embodiments, as described herein, the nickel may not be replaced, and tungsten may be increased beyond its solubility limit (e.g., see Examples 133-136).

As described above, according to an alternative embodiment, the alloys may be similar to those described above in which at least the nickel has been substituted with a platinum group metal, but in which the substituting metal is a refractory metal selected from the group consisting of silver, gold, hafnium, niobium, rhenium, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, zirconium, or combinations thereof. It is also conceivable that the substituting elements may be a combination of platinum group metals and refractory metals.

As described above, substitution may be on an atomic basis, a volumetric basis, or a weight basis. Examples 25-69 below are based on weight percentage substitution of at least the nickel of an L-605 alloy and an MP-35N alloy. It will be understood that additional examples may substitute at least the nickel (and preferably at least some of the iron) of other cobalt-chromium alloys such as Elgiloy or Phynox. Additionally, it will be understood that substitution may alternatively proceed on an atomic or volumetric basis.

In order to better understand Examples 25-69, the various binary phase diagrams of the included elements will be discussed.

When considering the cobalt-chromium alloy systems from the perspective of elimination of nickel from the alloys, substitution of another element for the nickel in the alloy is a natural approach. When considering which elements to utilize for substitution, the desired end goals come into play. The goal of such substitution is to create an alloy that has a greater radiopacity than the unmodified alloy (e.g., L-605 or MP-35N). In order to create an alloy with greater radiopacity, one or more elements of higher atomic weight and greater relative radiopacity (RR) need to be utilized.

In reviewing the periodic table of the elements, and the binary phase diagrams for the heavier transition metal and other precious metal elements in the periodic table, a number of elements stand out as appropriate for the substitution of nickel. Further substitution for some of the cobalt in the alloy(s) is possible with the desire for even better radiopacity of the alloy compared to L-605 and MP-35N. These elements include refractory metal elements such as Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, and Re, and precious metal elements such as Ag and Au (which are herein grouped with the refractory elements for sake of simplicity).

To understand the reasoning behind these selections, the phase diagrams for the L-605 CoCr (Co-20Cr-15W-10Ni) and MP-35N (35Co-35Ni-20Cr-10Mo) alloys are first discussed below. When reviewing these phase diagrams they appear complex. The following points, however, work in favor of having alloys that have properties that allow them to be mechanically worked into a variety of useful forms, including stent tubing. For ease of understanding, elements less than 5 weight percent (e.g., manganese, iron, etc.) are ignored in this analysis, and presumed to be part of the cobalt concentration.

For the most part, the discussion will be limited to phases that are predicted to exist at the temperatures of interest, which include body temperature and room temperature. Also, when discussing compositions, all are considered “relative” compositions to relate them to the binary phase diagram unless otherwise indicated. For example, an alloy including 55 weight percent Co and 20 weight percent Cr (“55Co-20Cr”) would translate to a relative composition of 73Co-27Cr in weight percent. All substituted alloy compositions below are discussed weight percent, unless otherwise indicated. Phase structures discussed include body-centered-cubic (BCC), face-centered-cubic (FCC), hexagonal-close-packed (HCP), orthorhombic, rhombohedral, tetragonal, and body-centered-tetragonal (BCT).

For L-605 CoCr:

-   -   Co—Cr is a complex phase diagram with eutectic, eutectoid,         peritectic, peritectoid, and congruent features. It includes at         least three distinct phases and two eutectoid compositions. The         tetragonal σ intermetallic peritectoid phase exists from about         51 to about 64Cr. L-605 falls into the HCP (εCo) phase area of         the diagram (FIGS. 4A-4B).     -   Co—Ni is a solid solution across the entire phase diagram, with         an atomic structure change from HCP to FCC that occurs around         25Ni. L-605 falls into the (εCo) HCP phase area of the diagram         (FIGS. 5A-5B).     -   Cr—Ni is a phase diagram with eutectic, peritectoid, and         allotropic transformation features. L-605 falls in the eutectoid         body centered cubic (BCC)-orthorhombic area of the phase diagram         (FIGS. 6A-6B).     -   Co—W is an extremely complex phase diagram with eutectic,         eutectoid, peritectoid, and allotropic transformation features.         L-605 falls within the eutectoid HCP (εCo)—BCC (W) portion of         the phase diagram (FIGS. 7A-7B).     -   Cr—W is a phase diagram with a large miscibility gap starting         around 15 weight percent W. L-605 resides in the miscibility gap         (α1+α2) with two BCC phases (FIGS. 8A-8B).     -   Ni—W is a complex phase diagram with eutectic and multiple         peritectoid reactions. L-605 falls in the eutectoid BCT         Ni4W—orthorhombic NiW phase combination (FIGS. 9A-9B).

For MP-35N CoCr:

-   -   Co—Cr—MP-35N falls into a eutectoid structure comprised of HCP         (εCo) and tetragonal σ phases (FIGS. 4A-4B).     -   Co—Ni—MP-35N falls in the FCC (αCo,Ni) portion of the phase         diagram (FIGS. 5A-5B).     -   Cr—Ni—MP-35N falls in the orthorhombic ordered phase regime of         Ni₂Cr. It is possible that the presence of the other elements         suppresses the formation of this ordered phase (FIGS. 6A-6B).     -   Co—Mo is a complex phase diagram with multiple eutectic,         peritectoid, and allotropic transformations. Similar to Co—W,         two distinct ordered phases are formed, from about 33 to about         35Mo and from about 53 to about 61Mo. MP-35N falls in the region         combining HCP κ and HCP (εCo) phases (FIGS. 10A-10B).     -   Cr—Mo exhibits a non-mixing region, called a miscibility gap,         across most of the phase diagram. This indicates that distinct         BCC phases of Cr and of Mo may exist without full mixing of the         atoms among each other. MP-35N falls within this miscibility gap         (Cr)+(Mo) region (FIGS. 11A-11B).     -   Ni—Mo is a phase diagram that exhibits eutectic, peritectoid,         and allotropic transformations. MP-35N falls in the FCC solid         solution (Ni) regime of the phase diagram (FIGS. 12A-12B).

As can be seen from the complex phase diagrams described above, the equilibrium microstructures need not be single phase (i.e., fully solid solution) for an alloy composition to be selected that works well (as it is already established that L-605 and MP-35N work from a workability perspective, although with relatively lower radiopacity than desired).

The next discussion covers the elements listed above from the perspective of substituting for part or all of the Ni and possibly part of the Co in L-605 and MP-35N alloys. Other Co—Cr alloys (e.g., Elgiloy, Phynox) could similarly be substituted. In addition, an entirely new alloy composition may be developed independent of basing the initial substitution on existing alloys.

For an alloy containing Ag, considering different compositions that may include Mo and/or W:

-   -   Ag—Co phase diagram shows a complete miscibility gap with two         allotropic transformations. Any mixture at the temperatures of         interest will simply include a mixture of FCC (Ag) and HCP (εCo)         phases (FIGS. 13A-13B).     -   Ag—Cr phase diagram shows a eutectic and a miscibility gap with         two allotropic transformations. At the temperatures of interest,         any mixture will simply include FCC (Ag) and BCC (Cr) phases         regardless of composition (FIGS. 14A-14B).     -   Ag—Mo is a phase diagram with a eutectic at the Ag side and an         allotropic transformation. With the two elements being         immiscible at the temperatures of interest, the material will         simply include a mixture of FCC (Ag) and BCC (Mo) phases         regardless of composition (FIGS. 15A-15B).     -   Ag—W is completely immiscible across all compositions. This         indicates that the material will simply include a mixture of FCC         (Ag) and BCC (W) phases.

For an alloy containing Au, considering different compositions that may include Mo and/or W:

-   -   Au—Co is a phase diagram with eutectic, eutectoid, and         allotropic transformation features. The material will simply         include a mixture of FCC (Au) and HCP (εCo) phases regardless of         composition (FIGS. 16A-16B).     -   Au—Cr displays eutectic and ordering in the phase diagram. From         about 1 to 6Au, an ordered Au₄Cr (α′) BCT phase forms. Above         this region the material will include a mixture of BCT α′ and         BCC (Cr) phases (FIGS. 17A-17B).     -   Au—Mo is a eutectic across the entire phase diagram. This         indicates that the material will include a mixture of FCC (Au)         and BCC (Mo) phases regardless of composition (FIGS. 18A-18B).     -   Au—W is a eutectic across the entire phase diagram. This         indicates that the material will include a mixture of FCC (Au)         and BCC (W) phases regardless of composition (FIGS. 19A-19B).

For an alloy containing Hf, considering different compositions that may include Mo and/or W:

-   -   Co—Hf is a complex phase diagram with multiple eutectics,         eutectoids, peritectics, congruent, and allotropic         transformations. It is possible that this mixture becomes         paramagnetic as early as about 47Hf. Up to this point, (e.g.,         about 46.5Hf), the microstructure will be a combination of HCP         (εCo) and tetragonal Co₇Hf₂. From about 46.5 to about 56Hf, the         microstructure is a mix of tetragonal Co₇Hf₂ and FCC Co₂Hf. From         about 56 to about 62.5Hf is the ordered FCC Co₂Hf phase. From         about 62.5 to about 74.5Hf the microstructure is a mixture of         FCC Co₂Hf and cubic CoHf phases. The cubic CoHf phase sits from         about 74.5 to about 75.5Hf. From about 75.5 to about 86Hf, the         microstructure is a mix of the cubic CoHf and FCC CoHf₂ phases.         The FCC CoHf₂ phase sits from about 86 to about 89Hf. Above         about 89Hf is a mixture of FCC CoHf₂ and HCP (αHf) phases (FIGS.         20A-20B).     -   Cr—Hf phase diagram shows two eutectics, one eutectoid, and one         intermediate FCC Cr₂Hf phase from about 62 to about 65Hf. Below         this intermediate phase the microstructure should include FCC         Cr₂Hf plus (Cr) BCC phases. Above the Cr₂Hf phase, the eutectic         should be a mix of Cr₂Hf and HCP (uHf) phases (FIGS. 21A-21B).     -   Hf—Mo is a complex phase diagram with eutectic, eutectoid,         peritectic, and allotropic phase transformations. Only one         ordered FCC αMo₂Hf phase exists at the temperatures of interest,         from about 47 to about 50 relative weight percent Hf. Up to         about 25Hf, a BCC (Mo) solid solution exists. From about 25 to         about 47Hf the microstructure would be a mix of BCC (Mo) solid         solution and FCC αMo₂Hf. Above about 50Hf is a mix of this phase         (i.e., FCC αMo₂Hf) and HCP (uHf) (FIGS. 22A-22B).     -   Hf—W, similar to Hf—Mo, is a phase diagram with a eutectic,         eutectoid, peritectic/ordered phase, with allotropic         transformations. The one ordered FCC HfW₂ phase exists from         about 66 to about 68Hf. Below this phase the microstructure is a         mix of BCC (W) and FCC HfW₂. Above this phase is a mix of FCC         HfW₂ and HCP (αHf) (FIGS. 23A-23B).

For an alloy containing Mo, the following may be observed:

-   -   Co—Mo is a complex phase diagram with two eutectics, a         peritectic, peritectoids/ordered phases, and allotropic         transformations. Two distinct ordered phases exist at the         temperature of interest. The HCP κ phase falls from about 34 to         about 36Mo while the rhombohedral ε phase falls from about 53 to         about 61Mo. Up to about 6Mo, HCP (εCo) appears to be the primary         phase. From about 6 to about 34Mo is an HCP (εCo) and HCP κ         mixture. From about 36 to about 53Mo a mixture of HCP κ and         rhombohedral e exist. Above about 61Mo is a mixture of         rhombohedral c and BCC (Mo) (FIGS. 24A-24B).     -   Cr—Mo phase diagram exhibits a miscibility gap from about 9Mo         through about 95Mo. Based on the shape of the miscibility curve         at 500° C., it is likely that this extends to close to 2Mo         through 99+Mo at room/body temperature. This indicates that the         microstructure will be a mixture of (Cr)+(Mo) BCC phases (FIGS.         25A-25B).     -   Mo—W phase diagram exhibits a continuous BCC solid solution         (Mo,W) regardless of composition (FIGS. 26A-26B).

For an alloy containing Nb, considering different compositions that may include Mo and/or W′:

-   -   Co—Nb is a complex phase diagram with multiple eutectics and         congruent ordered phases, including one phase specific to a         single composition. These phases include an HCP NbCo₃ phase at         about 34.5Nb, an FCC αNbCo₂ phase from about 37 to about 44Nb,         and rhombohedral Nb₆Co₇ from about 61 to about 64Nb. Up to about         34.5Nb most likely is a mixture of HCP (εCo) and HCP NbCo₃. From         about 34.5 to about 37Nb is a mixture of HCP NbCo₃ and FCC         αNbCo₂ phases. From about 44 to about 61Nb is a mixture of FCC         αNbCo₂ and rhombohedral Nb₆Co₇. Above about 64Nb is a mixture of         rhombohedral Nb₆Co₇ and BCC (Nb) phases (FIGS. 27A-27B).     -   Cr—Nb shows two eutectics and a congruent ordered phase around         the middle of the phase diagram. The ordered FCC Cr₂Nb phase         falls from about 47 to about 52Nb. Up to about 47Nb exists a mix         of BCC (Cr) and FCC Cr₂Nb phases. Above about 52Nb exists a mix         of FCC Cr₂Nb and BCC (Nb) phases (FIGS. 28A-28B).     -   Mo—Nb phase diagram shows a single solid solution BCC (Mo,Nb)         phase across the entire range of compositions (FIGS. 29A-29B).     -   Nb—W phase diagram shows a single solid solution BCC (Nb,W)         phase across the entire range of compositions (FIGS. 30A-30B).

For an alloy containing Re, considering different compositions that may include Mo and/or W:

-   -   Co—Re forms an HCP solid solution phase of (εCo, Re) across the         entire phase diagram at the temperatures of interest (FIGS.         31A-31B).     -   Cr—Re is a phase diagram with eutectic and peritectic reactions.         Up to about 66Re the microstructure is primarily BCC (Cr). From         about 66 to about 83Re is a mixture of BCC (Cr) and σ phases. A         tetragonal ordered phase (the σ phase, also written as Cr₂Re₃)         forms from about 83 to about 88Re. Above about 88Re through         about 97Re, a mixture of a and HCP (Re) phases exist. Above         about 97Re, the dominant microstructure is HCP (Re) (FIGS.         32A-32B).     -   Mo—Re phase diagram is a combination of a eutectic, congruent,         peritectoid, and allotropic phase transformation. Up to about         38Re a BCC (Mo) solid solution phase exists. From about 28Re to         about 86Re is a mix of BCC (Mo) and BCC χ phases. From about 86         to about 88Re is the ordered BCC χ phase. From about 88 to about         95.5Re a combination of BCC χ and HCP (Re) phases exist. Above         about 96 relative weight percent the structure is a solid         solution HCP (Re) phase (FIGS. 33A-33B).     -   Re—W is a complex phase diagram with eutectic, peritectoid, and         congruent features. Up to about 28Re is a solid solution BCC (W)         phase. From about 28 to about 44Re is a combination of BCC (W)         and tetragonal σ phases. From about 44 to about 64Re is the         ordered tetragonal σ phase. From about 64 to about 72Re is a         combination of tetragonal σ and BCC χ phases. From about 72 to         about 74Re is the ordered BCC χ phase. From about 74 to about         88Re is a combination of BCC χ and HCP (Re) phases. Above about         88Re, a HCP solid solution phase with W exists (FIGS. 34A-34B).

For an alloy containing Ta, considering different compositions that may include Mo and/or W:

-   -   Co—Ta is a fairly complex phase diagram that exhibits five         ordered phases, three of which are peritectic. Up to about 3Ta         is HCP (εCo). From about 3 to about 46.5Ta is a mixture of HCP         (εCo) and Co₇Ta₂ (unknown microstructure). The Co₇Ta₂ phase sits         at about 46.5Ta. From about 46.5 to about 54Ta is a combination         of Co₇Ta₂ and HCP λ₃ phases. The HCP λ₃ phase sits from about 54         to about 55.5Ta. From about 55.5 to 57Ta is a mixture of HCP λ₃         and FCC Co₂Ta (λ₂) phases. From about 57 to about 63Ta is the         FCC Co₂Ta (λ₂) phase. From about 63 to about 70.5Ta is mixture         of FCC Co₂Ta (λ₂) and rhombohedral Co₆Ta₇ phases. From about         70.5 to 79.5Ta is the Co₆Ta₇ rhombohedral phase. From about 79.5         to about 86Ta is a mixture of rhombohedral Co₆Ta₇ and BCT CoTa₂         phases. A BCT CoTa₂ phase sits at around 86Ta. Above about 85Ta         is a mixture of BCT CoTa₂ and BCC (Ta) phases (FIGS. 35A-35B).     -   Cr—Ta is a phase diagram with a single intermediate phase that         forms a eutectic with each of the (Cr) and (Ta) solid solutions.         The intermediate Laves phase formation of FCC Cr₂Ta sits from         about 63 to about 66.5Ta. Up to about 63Ta, the microstructure         is a mixture of BCC (Cr) and FCC Cr₂Ta. Above about 66.5Ta is a         mixture of FCC Cr₂Ta and BCC (Ta) (FIGS. 36A-36B).     -   Mo—Ta forms a continuous BCC (Mo,Ta) solid solution at all         compositions (FIGS. 37A-37B).     -   Ta—W forms a continuous BCC (Ta,W) solid solution at all         compositions (FIGS. 38A-38B).

For an alloy containing W, the following may be observed:

-   -   Co—W is an extremely complex phase diagram with eutectic,         eutectoid, peritectoid, and allotropic transformations featuring         two different ordered phases at the temperatures of interest.         HCP Co₃W forms from about 48 to about 51.5W. Rhombohedral Co₇W₆         forms from about 70 to about 74.5W. Up to about 48W the         microstructure is a mixture of HCP (εCo) and HCP Co₃W phases.         From about 51.5 to about 70W, the microstructure is a mixture of         HCP Co₃W and rhombohedral Co₇W₆ phases. Above about 74.5W is a         mixture of rhombohedral Co₇W₆ and BCC (W) phases. Based on the         L-605 information and the similar MP-35N Co—Mo information,         alloys that fall outside of the ordered phases allow for a         workable alloy (FIGS. 39A-39B).     -   Cr—W is a phase diagram with a large miscibility gap starting         around 15 weight percent W. Note that the miscibility gap most         likely starts closer to 0-1W at the temperatures of interest,         based on the shape of the curve. Below the start of the         miscibility gap is a solid solution of BCC (Cr,W). Within the         miscibility gap the two BCC (α₁+α₂) Cr and W phases exist (FIGS.         40A-40B).     -   Mo—W forms a continuous BCC (Mo,W) solid solution at all         compositions (FIGS. 41A-41B).

For an alloy containing Zr, the following may be observed:

-   -   Co—Zr is a complex phase diagram with eutectic, eutectoid,         peritectic, and allotropic transformations. The formation of         five different ordered phases are shown. The γ phase, of unknown         structure, is at about 22Zr. The FCC δ phase appears at about         28Zr. The FCC ε phase appears roughly from about 39 to about         45Zr. The cubic ζ phase appears at about 61Zr. The BCT η phase         appears at about 75.5Zr. Up to about 22Zr, the microstructure is         a combination of HCP (εCo) and FCC γ phases. From about 22 to         about 28Zr is a mixture of FCC γ and FCC δ phases. From about 28         to about 39Zr is a mixture of FCC δ and FCC ε phases. From about         45 to about 61Zr is a mixture of FCC ε and cubic ζ phases. From         about 61 to about 75.5Zr is a mixture of cubic ζ and BCT η         phases. From about 75.5 to about 99Zr is a mixture of BCT η         phase and HCP (αZr) phases. Above 99Zr is a solid solution HCP         (αZr) phase (FIGS. 42A-42B).     -   Cr—Zr is a complex phase diagram with eutectic, eutectoid,         congruent and allotropic transformation features. One         intermediate ordered phase exists at the temperature of         interest. That FCC αZrCr₂ phase falls from about 44 to about         50Zr. Up to about 44Zr is a combination of BCC (Cr) and FCC         αZrCr₂ phases. Above about 50Zr is a combination of FCC αZrCr₂         and HCP (αZr) phases (FIGS. 43A-43B).     -   Mo—Zr is a phase diagram with eutectic, peritectic, eutectoid,         and allotropic transformation features. A single ordered FCC         Mo₂Zr phase exists from about 32 to about 39Zr. Up to about 32Zr         is a mixture of BCC (Mo) and FCC Mo₂Zr phases. Above about 39Zr         is a mixture of FCC Mo₂Zr and HCP (αZr) phases (FIGS. 44A-44B).     -   W—Zr is a phase diagram with eutectic features, showing a single         ordered FCC W₂Zr phase at around 20Zr. Up to about 20Zr is a         mixture of BCC (W) and FCC W₂Zr phases. Above about 20Zr is a         mixture of FCC W₂Zr and HCP (αZr) phases (FIGS. 45A-45B).

For an alloy containing Co, Cr, Fe and Pd or Pt (e.g., as discussed in more detail in conjunction with Examples 78-89, and particularly Example 85, below), the following may be observed:

-   -   Co—Fe is a phase diagram showing a miscibility gap between about         28 and about 74Fe, with a basic cubic structure of the two         intermixed Co and Fe phases. Above and below these compositions         the structure is a solid solution Co and Fe mixture with a BCC         structure (FIGS. 46A-46B).     -   Co—Pd phase diagram shows a continuous solid solution with an         HCP (εCo) structure (FIGS. 47A-47B).     -   Co—Pt phase diagram shows a solid solution structure with two         miscibility gaps and two focal phase formations. Up to about         69Pt the structure is HCP (εCo) and FCC α(Co,Pt). Between about         69 and about 91Pt there is a miscibility gap, with a focal         tetragonal CoPt structure at about 76Pt. Above 91Pt there is         again FCC α(Co,Pt) (FIGS. 48A-48B).     -   Cr—Fe is a somewhat complex phase diagram with a variety of         features. This system displays a BCC eutectic structure between         about 3 and about 97Fe. Above 97Fe, the structure is primarily         FCC, while below 3Fe the structure is primarily BCC (FIGS.         49A-49B).     -   Cr—Pd is a fairly complex phase diagram. Up to about 67Pd, the         structure is a mixture of FCC (Cr) and tetragonal CrPd. Between         about 67 and about 69Pd the structure is tetragonal CrPd.         Between about 69 and about 71Pd, the structure is a mixture of         tetragonal CrPd and FCC Cr₂Pd₃. Between about 71 and about 88Pd         the structure is FCC Cr₂Pd₃. Above about 88Pd, the structure is         FCC (Pd) (FIGS. 50A-50B).     -   Cr—Pt is a fairly complex phase diagram. Up to about 5Pt, the         structure is FCC (Cr). From about 5 to about 43Pt the structure         is a mix of FCC (Cr) and cubic Cr₃Pt. From about 43 to about         51Pt the structure is cubic Cr₃Pt. From about 51 to about 78Pt         the structure is a mix of cubic Cr₃Pt and tetragonal CrPt. From         about 78 to about 80Pt the structure is tetragonal CrPt. From         about 80 to about 96Pt the structure is primarily cubic CrPt₃.         Above about 96Pt the structure is FCC (Pt) (FIGS. 51A-51B).     -   Fe—Pd is a complex phase diagram. Up to about 65Pd is a         combination of FCC (γFe,Pd) and tetragonal FePd. From about 65         to about 75Pd is tetragonal FePd. From about 75 to about 93Pd is         cubic FePd₃. Above around 93Pd is FCC (γFe,Pd) (FIGS. 52A-52B).     -   Fe—Pt phase diagram shows a eutectic with multiple intermediate         phases. Up to about 18Pt is a BCC solid solution. Between about         18 and about 38Pt is an FCC solid solution. Between about 38 and         about 62Pt is cubic γ₁ (Fe₃Pt). Between about 63 and about 82Pt         is tetragonal 72 (FePt). Between about 82 and about 94Pt is         cubic γ₃ (FePt₃). Above about 94Pt, the structure is a         continuous solid solution with a FCC structure (FIGS. 53A-53B).     -   Pd—Pt phase diagram shows a continuous solid solution that is a         mixture of FCC (Pd)+(Pt) across the majority of compositions. At         some undefined lower and upper compositions the phase is         primarily FCC (Pd) or FCC (Pt) (FIGS. 54A-54B).

In considering the possible alloys from both a radiopacity and a compatibility perspective, the following possible compositions come to the forefront. Note that minor and trace elements are not considered in these calculations. It is important to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase, because this phase is quite brittle. The examples below will explicitly discuss avoidance of this phase by remaining below the 51-64 weight percent Cr in the Co—Cr regime. It is also envisioned that viable alloy compositions may be provided above this regime (i.e., greater than about 64Cr in the Co—Cr regime) that would provide workable alloys. For example, 10Co and 20Cr would give a relative composition of 33.3Co and 66.7Cr, moving above the σ intermetallic regime.

Examples 25-30 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, silver. Example 31 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 or the molybdenum of MP-35N with silver so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Ag alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 25—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Silver

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Silver 10

From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. Otherwise the alloy will also include a series of eutectic immiscible phases of FCC Ag, HCP εCo, BCC Cr, and BCC W. This alloy would otherwise behave similarly to L-605, but with increased relatively radiopacity (to about 4.7 barnes/cc).

Example 26—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Silver

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Silver 30

In order to increase the radiopacity, the silver may be increased (beyond simply substituting for Ni) to also substitute for a portion of the cobalt. For example, increasing the silver to 30 weight percent would lower cobalt to 35 weight percent, leaving the other elements the same. This results in a calculated radiopacity of 7.0 barnes/cc. Similar to Example 25, the silver would result in a series of immiscible phases with Co, Cr, and W. Co—Cr would shift to be in the same region as MP-35N. Co—W would shift higher but still remain in the same phase region as L-605. Cr—W would remain the same as L-605. This would result in a workable alloy.

Example 27—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Silver

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 25 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Silver 40

If even higher radiopacity is desired, the silver may be increased to 40 weight percent. This results in a calculated radiopacity of 8.2 barnes/cc. Similar to Example 26, the silver would remain a series of immiscible phases with Co, Cr, and W. Co—Cr would shift to be in the same region as MP-35N, closer to the middle of the phase. Co—W shifts higher but remains in the same phase region as L-605. Cr—W would remain the same as for L-605. This would result in a workable alloy.

Example 28—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Silver

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Silver up to 45

Assuming that Cr and W are not changed, Ag should remain at or below about 45 weight percent (e.g., 10 to 45 weight percent) in order to avoid the Co—Cr a intermetallic phase. At 45 weight percent Ag, calculated radiopacity would be 8.8 barnes/cc.

Example 29—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Silver

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Silver 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of silver for nickel on a weight percentage basis results in the calculated radiopacity increasing from 3.4 barnes/cc to 7.0 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the alloy includes a series of eutectic immiscible phases of FCC Ag, HCP εCo, BCC Cr, and BCC Mo with Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo falling in the same regions as MP-35N. This alloy would otherwise behave similarly to MP-35N, but with increased relatively radiopacity (to about 7.0 barnes/cc).

Example 30—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Silver

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Silver up to 50

Assuming that Cr and Mo are not changed, Ag should remain at or below about 50 weight percent (e.g., 35 to 50 weight percent) in order to avoid the Co—Cr a intermetallic phase. At 50 weight percent Ag, calculated radiopacity would be 8.7 barnes/cc.

Example 31—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or Molybdenum with Silver

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Silver up to 60

When considering the disparity in melting temperature between Ag and Mo and W, the alloy may be considered without either of these elements (the Mo or W), i.e., consisting of Ag—Co—Cr only. In this instance, the Ag may range up to about 60 weight percent to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 60 weight percent Ag, calculated radiopacity would be 9.0 barnes/cc. Ag—Co and Ag—Cr both fall into the eutectic regimes of these phase diagrams.

Examples 32-35 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, gold. Example 36 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 or the molybdenum of MP-35N with gold so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Au alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 32—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Gold

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Gold 10

Substituting Au for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.6 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. Otherwise the alloy will also include a series of eutectic immiscible phases of FCC Au, BCC α′ and HCP εCo, BCC Cr, and BCC W. This alloy would otherwise behave similarly to L-605, but with increased relatively radiopacity (to about 4.6 barnes/cc).

Example 33—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Gold

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Gold up to 45

As with Ag, assuming that Cr and W are not changed, Au should remain at or below about 45 weight percent (e.g., 10 to 45 weight percent) in order to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 45 weight percent Au, calculated radiopacity would be 8.9 barnes/cc.

Example 34—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Gold

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Gold 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of gold for nickel on a weight percentage basis results in the calculated radiopacity increasing from 3.4 barnes/cc to 6.8 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the alloy includes a series of eutectic immiscible phases of FCC Au, BCC α′ and HCP εCo, BCC Cr, and BCC Mo with Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo falling in the same regions as MP-35N. Similar to the MP-35N alloy, this would result in a workable alloy.

Example 35—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Gold

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Gold up to 50

Assuming that Cr and Mo are not changed, Au should remain at or below about 50 weight percent (e.g., 35 to 50 weight percent) in order to avoid the Co—Cr a intermetallic phase. At 50 weight percent Au, calculated radiopacity would be 8.7 barnes/cc.

Example 36—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or Molybdenum with Gold

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Gold up to 60

When considering the disparity in melting temperature between Au and Mo and W, the alloy may be considered without either of these elements (the Mo or W), i.e., consisting of Au—Co—Cr only. In this instance, the Au may range up to about 60 weight percent to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 60 weight percent Au, calculated radiopacity would be 9.2 barnes/cc. Au—Co and Au—Cr both fall into the eutectic regimes of these phase diagrams.

Examples 37-40 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, hafnium. Example 41 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 or the molybdenum of MP-35N with hafnium so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Hf alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

When considering such systems, a few items should be taken into account. As Hf falls in the refractory metal category and L-605 and MP-35N Co alloys already include tungsten or Mo, respectively, which also fall into this category, the metallurgical behavior of Hf may be inferred from Co—Mo and Co—W phase diagrams. It is noted that Hf has a large effect on other refractory metals and on Ni and Fe based alloys in small amounts. The grain boundary pinning effect that is experienced in smaller additions will not continue with larger additions. Furthermore, the Co—Hf mixture may be partially paramagnetic as early as around 47 weight percent Hf. As with other alloys, it is likely that this behavior is repressed by the other elements in the alloy, resulting in a workable alloy.

Example 37—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Hafnium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Hafnium 10

Substituting Hf for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.3 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. For Hf—Co, the alloy will fall within the mixed HCP εCo and tetragonal Co₇Hf₂ regime. For Hf—Cr, the alloy will fall within the FCC Cr₂Hf plus BCC Cr phases. For Hf—Mo the mixture would include BCC W and FCC HfW₂. It is expected that this alloy may be stronger than L-605.

Example 38—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Hafnium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Hafnium up to 45

As with Ag and Au, here it is assumed that Cr and W are not changed. At around 30 weight percent Hf, radiopacity would be 5.8 barnes/cc. Phases would include a combination of HCP εCo and tetragonal Co₇Hf₂, Cr₂Hf, HCP αHf, and FCC HfW₂. If the suppression of the paramagnetism is successful and strengthening is not too much to allow workability, Hf may be increased up to 45 weight percent. At 45 weight percent Hf, the radiopacity is 7.2 barnes/cc, and metallurgically would result in a mix of FCC Co₂Hf and cubic CoHf, FCC Cr₂Hf and some HCP αHf, and FCC HfW₂ and HCP αHf phases.

Example 39—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Hafnium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Hafnium 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of hafnium for nickel on a weight percentage basis results in the calculated radiopacity increasing from 3.4 barnes/cc to 5.7 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo will fall in the same regions as MP-35N. Co—Hf falls into the possible partially paramagnetic regime with the combination of tetragonal Co₇Hf₂ and FCC Co₂Hf. Presuming the suppression of the paramagnetism by the presence of the other elements in the alloy, this alloy would also include a combination of FCC Cr₂Hf, FCC αMo₂Hf and HCP αHf phases.

Example 40—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Hafnium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Hafnium up to 50

If the suppression of the paramagnetism is successful and strengthening is not too much to still allow workability, Hf may be included up to about 50 weight percent. This would result in a radiopacity of 6.9 barnes/cc. Phases in this alloy beyond the MP-35N Co—Cr, Co—Mo and Cr—Mo phase mixtures would include FCC Co₂Hf and cubic CoHf, FCC Cr₂Hf and HCP uHf, and FCC αMo₂Hf and HCP uHf phases.

Example 41—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or Molybdenum with Hafnium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Hafnium up to 60

When considering a simpler mixture, the alloy may be considered without either Mo or W, i.e., consisting of Hf—Co—Cr only. In this instance, the Hf may range up to about 60 weight percent to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 60 weight percent Hf, calculated radiopacity would be 6.9 barnes/cc. Co—Hf falls in the cubic CoHf phase and Cr—Hf falls in the FCC Cr₂Hf plus HCP αHf regime.

Examples 42-44 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, molybdenum. Example 45 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 (or is relative to MP-35N, which already includes some molybdenum) with molybdenum so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Mo alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 42—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Molybdenum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Molybdenum 10

Substituting Mo for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.4 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. Otherwise the alloy will contain a mixture of HCP εCo and HCP κ phases, BCC Cr and BCC Mo phases, and solid solution Mo and W phases.

Example 43—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Molybdenum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Molybdenum up to 45

As with the above alloys of Ag, Au, and Hf, here it is assumed that Cr and W are not changed, thus Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W are the same as for L-605. From a metallurgical phase diagram perspective, Mo may be included up to about 45 weight percent. At 45 weight percent Mo, this gives a radiopacity of 7.2 barnes/cc and metallurgically would result in a mix of rhombohedral ε and BCC Mo, BCC Cr and BCC Mo, and BCC Mo and BCC W phases.

Example 44—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Molybdenum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 45

Utilizing a straight substitution of molybdenum for nickel on a weight percentage basis increases the radiopacity from 3.4 barnes/cc to 5.8 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr falls in the same region as MP-35N. Co—Mo and Cr—Mo shift, as the Mo has increased by 35 weight percentage points. Co—Mo shifts into the rhombohedral ε phase region, and Cr—Mo stays in the BCC Cr and BCC Mo regime, shifting closer to the Mo side of the phase diagram.

Example 45—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or a Portion of the Cobalt with Molybdenum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum up to 60

When considering a simpler mixture, the alloy may be considered with even more Mo, without W (in the case of L-605), i.e., consisting of Mo—Co—Cr only. In the case of a modified MP-35N alloy, some of the cobalt may be replaced to further increase Mo content. Avoiding the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase, Mo may be used up to 60 weight percent. This increases the radiopacity to 7.0 barnes/cc. This would shift the Co—Mo interaction into the rhombohedral ε and BCC Mo phase regime. The Cr—Co would remain in the BCC Cr and BCC Mo regime, shifting further toward the Mo side of the phase diagram.

Examples 46-49 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, niobium. Example 50 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 or the molybdenum of MP-35N with niobium so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Nb alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 46—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Niobium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Niobium 10

Substituting Nb for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.2 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. Otherwise the alloy will contain a mixture of HCP εCo and HCP NbCo₃ phases, BCC Cr and BCC Cr₂Nb phases, and solid solution Nb and W phases.

Example 47—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Niobium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Niobium up to 45

As with the above alloys of Ag, Au, Hf, and Mo, here it is assumed that Cr and W are not changed, thus Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W are the same as for L-605. From a metallurgical phase diagram perspective, Nb may be included up to about 45 weight percent. At 45 weight percent Nb, this gives a radiopacity of 6.3 barnes/cc and metallurgically would result in a mix of rhombohedral Nb₆Co₇ and BCC Nb, FCC Cr₂Nb and BCC Nb, and BCC Nb and BCC W phases.

Example 48—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Niobium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Niobium 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of niobium for nickel on a weight percentage basis increases the radiopacity from 3.4 barnes/cc to 5.3 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo fall in the same regions as MP-35N. Other phases will include rhombohedral Nb₆Co₇ and BCC Nb phases, FCC Cr₂Nb and BCC Nb phases, and BCC Nb and BCC Mo phases.

Example 49—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Niobium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Niobium up to 50

While avoiding the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase Nb may be included up to 50 weight percent. This increases radiopacity to 6.1 barnes/cc. Metallurgically, this results in the presence of rhombohedral Nb₆Co₇ and BCC Nb phases, FCC Cr₂Nb and BCC Nb phases, and BCC Nb and BCC Mo phases.

Example 50—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or Molybdenum with Niobium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Niobium up to 60

When considering a simpler mixture, the alloy may be considered without either Mo or W, i.e., consisting of Nb—Co—Cr only. In this instance, the Nb may range up to about 60 weight percent to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 60 weight percent Nb, calculated radiopacity would be 5.9 barnes/cc. Co—Nb falls in the rhombohedral Nb₆Co₇ and BCC Nb regime, while the Cr—Nb falls in the FCC Cr₂Nb and BCC Nb regime.

Examples 51-54 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, rhenium. Example 55 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 or the molybdenum of MP-35N with rhenium so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Re alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 51—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Rhenium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Rhenium 10

Substituting Re for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.4 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. Otherwise the alloy will contain a mixture of HCP εCo and HCP Re phases, BCC Cr and BCC Re phases, and the Re—W will contain tetragonal σ phase and BCC W phase.

Example 52—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Rhenium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Rhenium up to 45

As with the above alloys of Ag, Au, Hf, Mo, and Nb, here it is assumed that Cr and W are not changed, thus Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W are the same as for L-605. From a metallurgical phase diagram perspective, Re may be included up to about 45 weight percent. At 45 weight percent Re, this gives a radiopacity of 8.0 barnes/cc and metallurgically would result in a mix of HCP (εCo,Re), BCC Cr and tetragonal σ(Cr₂Re₃), and BCC χ and HCP Re phases.

Example 53—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Rhenium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Rhenium 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of rhenium for nickel on a weight percentage basis increases the radiopacity from 3.4 barnes/cc to 6.1 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo fall in the same regions as MP-35N. Other phases will include HCP (εCo,Re), BCC Cr and BCC Re phases, and BCC Mo and BCC χ phases.

Example 54—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Rhenium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Rhenium up to 50

While avoiding the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase Re may be included up to 50 weight percent. This increases radiopacity to 7.8 barnes/cc. Metallurgically, this results in the presence of HCP (εCo,Re), BCC Cr and tetragonal σ(Cr₂Re₃), and BCC Mo and BCC χ phases.

Example 55—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or Molybdenum with Rhenium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Rhenium up to 60

When considering a simpler mixture, the alloy may be considered without either Mo or W, i.e., consisting of Re—Co—Cr only. In this instance, the Re may range up to about 60 weight percent to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 60 weight percent Re, calculated radiopacity would be 8.1 barnes/cc. Co—Re falls in the HCP (εCo,Re) regime while Cr—Re falls into the BCC Cr and tetragonal σ(Cr₂Re₃) regime.

Examples 56-59 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, tantalum. Example 60 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 or the molybdenum of MP-35N with tantalum so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Ta alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 56—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Tantalum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Tantalum 10

Substituting Ta for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.4 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. Otherwise the alloy will contain a mixture of HCP εCo and Co₇Ta₂, BCC Cr and FCC Cr₂Ta, and BCC (Ta,W) phases.

Example 57—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Tantalum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Tantalum up to 45

As with the above alloys of Ag, Au, Hf, Mo, Nb and Re, here it is assumed that Cr and W are not changed, thus Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W are the same as for L-605. From a metallurgical phase diagram perspective, Ta may be included up to about 45 weight percent. At 45 weight percent Ta, this gives a radiopacity of 7.9 barnes/cc and metallurgically would result in a mix of FCC λ₂ (Co₂Ta) and rhombohedral Co₆Ta₇, FCC Cr₂Ta and BCC Ta, and BCC (Ta,W) phases.

Example 58—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Tantalum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Tantalum 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of tantalum for nickel on a weight percentage basis increases the radiopacity from 3.4 barnes/cc to 6.1 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo fall in the same regions as MP-35N. Other phases will include Co₇Ta₂ and HCP λ₃, FCC Cr₂Ta, and BCC Mo and BCC Ta phases.

Example 59—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Tantalum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Tantalum up to 50

While avoiding the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase Ta may be included up to 50 weight percent. This increases radiopacity to 7.7 barnes/cc. Metallurgically, this results in the presence of Co₆Ta₇, FCC Cr₂Ta and BCC Ta, and BCC Mo and BCC Ta phases.

Example 60—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or Molybdenum with Tantalum

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tantalum up to 60

When considering a simpler mixture, the alloy may be considered without either Mo or W, i.e., consisting of Ta—Co—Cr only. In this instance, the Ta may range up to about 60 weight percent to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 60 weight percent Ta, calculated radiopacity would be 7.9 barnes/cc. Co—Ta falls in the rhombohedral Co₆Ta₇ regime and Cr—Ta falls in the FCC Cr₂Ta and BCC Ta regime.

Examples 61-64 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, tungsten. The modified L-605 alloys are essentially ternary Co—Cr—W alloys. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 61—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Tungsten

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 25

Substituting W for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.4 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr will fall in the same region as for L-605. Otherwise, the alloy will contain a mixture of HCP εCo and HCP Co₃W, and BCC (α₁+α₂) phases. Examples 133-136 below describe other examples of Co—Cr alloys that include nickel, and tungsten content greater than 15% by weight, in which a primarily single-phase FCC microcrystalline structure is provided.

Example 62—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Tungsten

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 35 Chromium 20 Tungsten up to 45

It is assumed that Cr is not changed, thus Co—Cr is the same as for L-605. From a metallurgical phase diagram perspective, W may be included up to about 45 weight percent. At 45 weight percent W, this gives a radiopacity of 7.9 barnes/cc and metallurgically would result in a mix of rhombohedral Co₇W₆ and HCP Co₃W, and BCC (α₁+α₂) phases. Examples 133-136 below describe other examples of Co—Cr alloys that include nickel, and tungsten content greater than 15% by weight, in which a primarily single-phase FCC microcrystalline structure is provided.

Example 63—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Tungsten

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Tungsten 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of tungsten for nickel on a weight percentage basis increases the radiopacity from 3.4 barnes/cc to 6.1 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo fall in the same regions as MP-35N. Other phases will include HCP Co₃W, BCC (α₁+α₂), and BCC Mo and BCC W phases. Examples 133-136 below describe other examples of Co—Cr alloys that include nickel, may be void of molybdenum, and include tungsten content greater than 15% by weight, in which a primarily single-phase FCC microcrystalline structure is provided.

Example 64—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Tungsten

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Tungsten up to 50

While avoiding the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase W may be included up to 50 weight percent. This increases radiopacity to 7.7 barnes/cc. Metallurgically, this results in the presence of rhombohedral Co₇W₆ BCC (α₁+α₂) and BCC Mo and BCC W phases. Another example may further increase the tungsten to up to 60% by replacing the molybdenum with tungsten. This would further increase radiopacity, and result in the same phases present as described relative to an alloy including up to 50 weight percent tungsten. Of course, such a modified alloy could also be relative to (or derived from) L-605, as both would include at least 20% Co, 20% Cr, and up to 60% W. Examples 133-136 below describe other examples of Co—Cr alloys that include nickel, may be void of molybdenum, and which include tungsten content greater than 15% by weight, in which a primarily single-phase FCC microcrystalline structure is provided.

Examples 65-68 below are based on the nominal compositions of the ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy of Table 1 and the ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy of Table 3 in which at least the nickel, and in some examples, some of the cobalt has been replaced on an weight substitution basis with a refractory metal, zirconium. Example 69 further replaces the tungsten of L-605 or the molybdenum of MP-35N with zirconium so that the alloy is essentially a ternary Co—Cr—Zr alloy. Trace elements such as beryllium, boron, carbon, iron, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and titanium are not listed.

Example 65—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Zirconium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 55 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Zirconium 10

Substituting Zr for Ni on a weight percentage basis increases the calculated radiopacity from 3.6 to 4.1 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, the Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W will fall in the same regions as for L-605. Otherwise the alloy will contain a mixture of HCP εCo and γ(CoZr), FCC αZrCr₂ and BCC Cr, FCC W₂Zr, and HCP (αZr) phases.

Example 66—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Zirconium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Tungsten 15 Zirconium up to 45

As with the above alloys of Ag, Au, Hf, Mo, Nb, Re, and Ta, here it is assumed that Cr and W are not changed, thus Co—Cr, Co—W, and Cr—W are the same as for L-605. From a metallurgical phase diagram perspective, Zr may be included up to about 45 weight percent. At 45 weight percent Zr, this gives a radiopacity of 5.5 barnes/cc and metallurgically would result in a mix of cubic ζ(CoZr) and BCT η(CoZr), FCC αZrCr₂ and HCP αZr, and FCC W₂Zr and HCP αZr phases.

Example 67—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel with Zirconium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Zirconium 35

Utilizing a straight substitution of zirconium for nickel on a weight percentage basis increases the radiopacity from 3.4 barnes/cc to 4.8 barnes/cc. From a metallurgical perspective, Co—Cr, Co—Mo, and Cr—Mo fall in the same regions as MP-35N. Other phases will include FCC ε(CoZr) and cubic ζ(CoZr), FCC αZrCr₂ and HCP αZr, and FCC Mo₂Zr, and BCC Mo phases.

Example 68—ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Zirconium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Molybdenum 10 Zirconium up to 50

While avoiding the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase Zr may be included up to 50 weight percent. This increases radiopacity to 5.3 barnes/cc. Metallurgically, this results in the presence of cubic ζ(CoZr) and BCT η(CoZr), FCC αZrCr₂ and HCP αZr, FCC Mo₂Zr, and HCP αZr phases.

Example 69—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy or ASTM F562 MP-35N Alloy with Weight Substitution of Nickel and Tungsten or Molybdenum with Zirconium

Element Weight Percent Cobalt at least 20 Chromium 20 Zirconium up to 60

When considering a simpler mixture, the alloy may be considered without either Mo or W, i.e., consisting of Zr—Co—Cr only. In this instance, the Zr may range up to about 60 weight percent to avoid the Co—Cr σ intermetallic phase. At 60 weight percent Zr, calculated radiopacity would be 5.0 barnes/cc. Co—Zr falls close to the BCT η(CoZr) phase, but would also likely include some cubic ζ(CoZr) phase as well. The Cr—Zr falls in the FCC αZrCr₂ and HCP αZr phase regime.

Exemplary alloys of Examples 25-69, even those with relatively complex phase diagrams, are expected to provide viable alloys for use in stent fabrication. Enhancing the radiopacity of the alloy while remaining viable from metallurgical and engineering perspectives allows the fabrication of improved medical devices, particularly stents where greater radiopacity is beneficial.

Examples 70-73 describe particular ternary cobalt-chromium-iridium alloys that are somewhat similar to Examples 7-8, but which are essentially ternary alloys and do not include elements other than cobalt, chromium, and iridium. Such an embodiment may include chromium at a level from about 10 to about 25 atomic percent, more particularly from about 15 to about 25 (e.g., about 20 atomic percent) atomic percent to impart the desired tightly adhering Cr₂O₃ oxide layer that provides excellent corrosion resistance. The cobalt and iridium levels may be varied in virtually any ratio, depending on desired radiopacity, degree of ferromagnetism, and mechanical strength because cobalt and iridium are mutually soluble in one another and therefore do not form undesirable intermetallic phases. In order to avoid ferromagnetism at room temperature, the ratio of iridium to cobalt may be selected so as to be greater than about 1:1 on an atomic percentage basis. The result is a radiopaque, corrosion resistant, and relatively inexpensive ternary alloy system for stents. Iridium is attractive because it has slightly better radiopacity than platinum and has a cost approximately half that of platinum and similar to that of palladium. Similar ternary alloys including only cobalt, chromium, and a metal other than iridium (e.g., Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, or Os) could similarly be provided. Such ternary alloys may include similar atomic fractions as those described above and in Examples 70-73 but in which the Iridium is substituted with Pt, Pd, Ru, Rh, or Os. Similar ternary alloys could also be formed from Co, Cr, and a refractory metal or precious metal (i.e., silver or gold).

According to one embodiment, such a ternary alloy is not based on any existing commercially available alloy composition such as L-605 or MP-35N so that it does not contain extra elements such as tungsten, molybdenum, iron, manganese, etc. and thus minimizes the complexity in terms of intermetallics, precipitate formation, etc.

Example 70—Ternary Cobalt-Chromium-Iridium Alloy

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 35 Chromium 20 Iridium 45

Example 71—Ternary Cobalt-Chromium-Iridium Alloy

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 30 Chromium 20 Iridium 50

Example 72—Ternary Cobalt-Chromium-Iridium Alloy

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 25 Chromium 20 Iridium 55

Example 73—Ternary Cobalt-Chromium-Iridium Alloy

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 20 Chromium 20 Iridium 60

As mentioned previously, a platinum group metal, refractory metal, or precious metal may replace elements in addition to the nickel of an existing commercially available alloy such as L-605, MP-35N, Elgiloy, or Phynox. For example, in L-605, the nickel is included as an austenitic stabilizer. Nickel and the platinum group elements palladium and platinum are group 10 elements. Thus, platinum and palladium may also be expected to act as austentic stabilizers in cobalt. In addition, cobalt and each of the three group 10 elements (nickel, palladium, and platinum) are mutually dissolvable in each other. Platinum and/or palladium may be substituted for nickel in L-605 to improve radiopacity. Where insufficient radiopacity is provided under atomic percentage substitution as described in Examples 1 and 3, at least some of the cobalt of an alloy such as L-605 may also be replaced with the platinum group metal to further increase the radiopacity. Examples 74-75 and Examples 76-77 describe such examples that are similar to 1 and 3, respectively, but also replace at least a portion of the cobalt to further increase radiopacity. Similar examples could be provided based on alloys other than L-605 (e.g., MP-35N, Elgiloy, or Phynox)

Example 74—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Platinum

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 48.9 Chromium 24.4 Tungsten 5.2 Platinum 15.8 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 Iron (maximum) 3.4

Example 75—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Platinum

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 43.9 Chromium 24.4 Tungsten 5.2 Platinum 20.8 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 Iron (maximum) 3.4

Example 76—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Palladium

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 48.9 Chromium 24.4 Tungsten 5.2 Palladium 15.8 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 Iron (maximum) 3.4

Example 77—ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy with Atomic Substitution of Nickel and a Portion of the Cobalt with Palladium

Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 43.9 Chromium 24.4 Tungsten 5.2 Palladium 20.8 Manganese (maximum) 2.3 Iron (maximum) 3.4

As mentioned previously, a platinum group metal, refractory metal, or precious metal may replace elements in addition to the nickel of an existing commercially available alloy such as L-605, MP-35N, Elgiloy, or Phynox. Several of the above embodiments include substitution of a portion of the cobalt in addition to substitution of the nickel. Another embodiment may specifically substitute the refractory metal (e.g., molybdenum or tungsten) present within the commercial alloy, replacing this refractory metal with a platinum group metal (particularly preferred substituting platinum group metals include Pt, Pd, Ir, and Rh. Another embodiment may substitute with another refractory metal (e.g., substitute Mo with Re). Another embodiment may substitute the refractory metal with iron, which if done, is may be present in a small amount, as described herein. Many of these alloy embodiments may also replace the nickel, and optionally a portion of the cobalt, chromium, or even both, with a platinum group metal, particularly preferred of which would be Pt.

For example, a base research alloy which still includes the refractory metal (e.g., molybdenum) is herein designated MP1, and has a composition as shown below in Table 5. MP1 may be considered to be a more heavily substituted variant of MP-35N, as the amount of chromium is lower (13.5% vs. 20% by weight) and the amount of molybdenum is lower (6.7% vs. 10%). Some of the chromium and molybdenum, as well as all the nickel and a portion of the cobalt has been replaced with platinum.

TABLE 5 MP1 Alloy Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Cobalt 23.3 39.0 Chromium 13.5 25.6 Molybdenum 6.7 6.9 Platinum 56.5 28.5

In evaluating various of the earlier described cobalt-chromium-platinum group alloys described above in conjunction with Examples 1-24, it was found that as ingots were prepared by melting and then worked to evaluate their workability, a greater understanding of ambient temperature workability (i.e., cold workability) of these alloys was gained. Ordinarily significant reduction in workability when platinum is added to 316L stainless steel at greater than 33 weight percent is expected. However, this reduction in workability did not occur in at least some of the present alloy systems described herein. Rather, some of the initial platinum substituted alloy melts with greater than 33 weight percent platinum were workable as evidenced by being rolled at up to 50% deformation.

One of the most promising precious metal substitution alloys melted and processed was MP1, described in Table 5 above. Other alloys with greater percentages of Pd that were investigated with off stoichiometric alloy compositions showed good workability, but resulted in lower than desired densities. Pd (density of 12.02 g/cm³) is significantly less dense than Pt (density of 21.45 g/cm³). Thus, substitution with platinum may be particularly preferred. Alloy MP1 maintains a high density (12.8 g/cm³) and a relative radiopacity of 9.8 barnes/cm³. While this alloy showed good workability after casting, microstructural changes resulted in somewhat lower workability after heat treatment.

In order to further improve the workability of the MP1 alloy, additional quaternary (and in some cases pentenary) alloys were investigated by replacing the molybdenum in the MP1 alloy, as described above. Example 87 is a ternary alloy in which the molybdenum is replaced with additional cobalt. Examples 78-89 in Table 6 below show the resulting compositions. Refractory metal elements such as molybdenum and tungsten are typically used for strengthening, but can also reduce workability. The specific substitutions shown in Examples 78-89 of Table 6 are based on phase diagram analysis. Examples 81, 85, and 87 were actually formed by melting, and then worked to evaluate their workability characteristics. Of these three, Examples 85 and 87 showed the best cast workability in rolling, with Example 85 being slightly better.

TABLE 6 Variants of Mfg With Substitution of Molybdenum Pt Co Cr Fe Ir Pd Re Rh wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % wt % Density RR Alloy at % at % at % at % at % at % at % at % (g/cm³) (barnes/cm³) Ex. 78 56.5 23.3 13.5 6.7 13.0 10.1 (28.7) (39.2) (25.8) (6.2) Ex. 79 52 23.3 18 6.7 12.3 9.2 (24.9) (36.9) (32.3) (5.9) Ex. 80 54 23.3 16 6.7 12.6 9.6 (26.5) (37.9) (29.5) (6.0) Ex. 81 54.2 23.3 13.5 9.0 12.8 10.1 (27.3) (38.9) (25.5) (8.3) Ex. 82 43.7 23.3 18 10 5 12.1 9.1 (20.6) (36.4) (31.9) (8.6) (2.5) Ex. 83 56.5 23.3 13.5 6.7 13.4 10.0 (29.5) (40.3) (26.5) (3.7) Ex. 84 52.9 23.1 16 5 3 12.7 9.0 (26.2) (37.9) (29.8) (4.5) (1.6) Ex. 85 56.5 23.3 13.5 6.7 12.5 8.9 (27.2) (37.1) (24.4) (11.3) Ex. 86 56.5 23.3 13.5 6.7 13.0 10.1 (28.7) (39.2) (25.7) (6.4) Ex. 87 56.5 30.0 13.5 12.7 9.0 (27.4) (48.1) (24.5) Ex. 88 56.5 23.3 13.5 6.7 13.5 10.2 (29.6) (40.4) (26.5) (3.6) Ex. 89 40 23.3 13.5 13.2 10 12.1 10.0 (19.0) (36.6) (24.0) (11.5) (9.0)

Generally, many of Examples 78-89 are nickel-free, molybdenum-free cobalt-based alloys comprising from about 18 weight percent to about 39 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 40 weight percent to about 65 weight percent platinum, and from about 5 weight percent to about 25 weight percent of one or more other platinum group metals, refractory metals, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, and as will be apparent from Examples 78-89, the cobalt-based alloy may comprise from about 18 weight percent to about 30 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 20 weight percent chromium, and from about 45 weight percent to about 60 weight percent platinum. In another embodiment, and as will be apparent from Examples 78-89, the cobalt-based alloy may comprise from about 18 weight percent to about 25 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 15 weight percent chromium, and from about 50 weight percent to about 60 weight percent platinum. Example 85 substitutes with iron rather than a platinum group metal or refractory metal, while Example 87 substitutes the molybdenum with additional cobalt to result in a ternary alloy. In an embodiment, the alloy may be substantially free or completely free of other refractory metals, other than molybdenum (e.g., tungsten).

Examples 78-81, 83, and 86-87 are quaternary alloys comprising cobalt, chromium, platinum, and one other platinum group metal or refractory metal. Examples 82, 84, and 89 are pentenary alloy comprising cobalt, chromium, platinum, and one or more other platinum group metals, refractory metals, or combinations thereof (i.e., two additional elements are selected from platinum group metals, refractory metals, or combinations).

Example 85 can more generally be described as a molybdenum-free cobalt-based alloy comprising from about 18 weight percent to about 39 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 40 weight percent to about 65 weight percent platinum, and from about 5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent iron. In one embodiment, iron is present at less than 10 weight percent by weight, or less than 8 weight percent.

With respect to an embodiment including iron, (e.g., Example 85), it is noted that the Fe—Cr phase diagram does include an intermetallic a phase between about 43 and about 48 weight percent chromium (and 52-57 weight percent iron). Although this phase is only formed at elevated temperatures (e.g., from about 440° C. to about 830° C.), such a phase may possibly remain even after such an alloy is cooled to room temperatures. As such, in some embodiments, it may be desired to maintain the ratio of iron to chromium outside of the intermetallic a phase. This phase occurs just below a 1:1 weight ratio of Cr:Fe. In one embodiment, the weight fraction of chromium is greater than the weight fraction of iron so as to clearly avoid this phase. Because chromium is typically present at a significantly higher level (e.g., 10% plus, 15% plus, etc.) than the iron, this will typically not be an issue. For example, Example 85 includes a Cr:Fe weight ratio of about 2:1. Even where the weight ratio of Cr to Fe is lower (e.g., 1:1, or even 0.8:1) such alloys may still be suitable if no intermetallic is present at the conditions of use (e.g., where the intermetallic phase does not persist at ambient temperature (e.g., near 20° C.)).

Example 87 can more generally be described as a molybdenum-free cobalt-based alloy comprising from about 18 weight percent to about 39 weight percent cobalt, from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent chromium, from about 40 weight percent to about 65 weight percent platinum. The alloy is ternary, the molybdenum of MP1 having been replaced with additional cobalt.

Although the compositions shown in Table 6 are based on MP1 (which is based on MP-35N), it will be understood that alloy variants of L-605, Elgiloy, and Phynox can also be provided by substituting for nickel, for refractory elements (e.g., tungsten in L-605, molybdenum for Elgiloy and Phynox), as well as substituting for some cobalt, some chromium, and iron or other low fraction elements. When these alloys are reduced to quaternary or pentenary form with relative radiopacities greater than 5.5 barnes/cm³, the possible elemental compositions may be similar to those shown above in Table 6, as well as various examples discussed previously. As such, these variants of L-605, Elgiloy, and Phynox are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

TABLE 7 ASTM F90 L-605 Alloy Element Weight Percent Atomic Percent Volume Percent Cobalt 53.4 57.4 55.0 Chromium 20 24.4 25.4 Tungsten 15 5.2 7.1 Nickel 10 10.8 10.3 Manganese 1.5 1.7 1.9 Carbon 0.1 0.5 0.4

Table 7 again shows compositional alloy data for L-605, including slightly differing amounts for cobalt due to a slightly different amount of manganese, as well as the inclusion of a trace amount of carbon. Iron, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur may also be present in trace amounts not shown in Table 7, which may decrease the amount of cobalt, which may comprise the balance of the alloy.

In further evaluating various of the earlier described cobalt-chromium alloys described above in conjunction with the previous Examples, it was found that additional austenitic stabilization may be needed. As described above, austenitic stabilization allows for the material to be hot and cold worked during processing from ingot to stent.

Cobalt is an allotropic elemental material, and at temperatures up to 422° C. has a hexagonal close-packed (ε-Co, HCP) crystalline structure, while above 422° C. it has a face-center-cubic (α-Co, FCC) crystalline structure. The e-HCP microstructure is relatively brittle and prevents appreciable cold working in the material, while the α-FCC, or austenitic cobalt, is more ductile and allows for cold and hot working for processing purposes. As cobalt is alloyed with other elements, the temperature of the ε-Co to α-Co transformation may increase or decrease based on the microstructure, bonding valence, electronegativity, and atom size of the alloying element(s). The response of each element with cobalt is shown in their associated binary phase diagrams. If the transformation temperature decreases with the addition of the alloying element there is an enlarged a field and these elements are considered FCC stabilizers. FCC stabilizers include, but may not be limited to, Al, B, Cu, Ti, Zr, C, Sn, Nb, Mn, Fe, and Ni.

If the transformation temperature increases with the addition of the alloying element, then there is a restricted a field and these elements are considered HCP stabilizers. HCP stabilizers include, but may not be limited to, Si, Ge, Ar, Sb, Cr, Mo, W, Ta, Re, Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, and Pt. In some Co binary alloys, the transition temperature increases for ε-Co→α-Co, while the transformation temperature for α-Co→ε-Co decreases, which makes the transformation more sluggish, and these elements are considered to have a combined stabilization effect (i.e., they may stabilize both FCC and HCP phases), with the phase present at any given condition being stabilized to retard change to the other phase. Elements with a combined effect on the transformation temperature in cobalt include: Be, Pb, V, Pd, Ga, Au.

In the L-605 alloy (composition shown in Tables 1 and 7), nickel serves as an austenitic stabilizer of cobalt, which allows the alloy to be processed using both hot and cold working methods. As described herein, in an embodiment it is desirable for the nickel to be removed to minimize any potential allergy concerns. However, the other two main constituents (Cr and W) in L-605 may not facilitate FCC stabilization of the cobalt, and may instead increase the propensity for HCP structures to form upon working the material.

Furthermore, as described above, there is a desire to increase the radiopacity of the stent material with addition of platinum group metals, refractory metals, and/or precious metals, such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), hafnium (Hf), iridium (Ir), molybdenum (Mo), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhenium (Re), rhodium (Rh), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), and/or zirconium (Zr), which are more radiopaque than nickel. Radiopaque elements such as Au, Ir, Pd, Pt, Re, Ta, and W all significantly improve radiopacity of the material as their relative radiopacity is at least four times higher than nickel; however, none of these elements may be, strictly speaking, FCC stabilizers. Therefore, an increase in concentration of one or more FCC austenitic stabilizers may therefore be important for the workability of an alloy material based on L-605 aimed at increasing the radiopacity and limiting nickel content. Other examples (e.g., Examples 133-136) employ a different strategy, by which nickel (and optionally manganese) content is maintained, as these stabilize the FCC microstructure, but in which tungsten may be added above its normal solubility limit, and the alloy may be processed in a way that ensures that a primarily single-phase FCC microcrystalline structure is present, even at the super-saturated tungsten content.

The following additional examples through example 132 are based on modification of a base L-605 alloy. It will be apparent that additional analogous examples may be provided based on MP-35N, Elgiloy, or Phynox employing the substitution techniques described herein. In addition, while the following examples employ platinum and/or palladium, it will be understood that other platinum group metals, refractory metals, and/or precious metals may be included instead of or in addition to Pt and/or Pd to increase the radiopacity to a desired level.

Manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) are both FCC stabilizers of cobalt based alloys and are present in L-605 alloy in low amounts, as shown in Tables 1 & 7. Since Mn is already present in the L-605 alloy, increasing the levels of this element is not expected to adversely react with the current chemistry. Increased amounts of Fe have the potential to increase the magnetic response of the material, which may not be desirable in an implantable medical device, although relatively low levels of iron as described herein may be suitable for use. Any of the above described platinum group elements, refractory metal elements, and/or precious metals (e.g., particularly Au, Pd, Pt, Ta, and/or W) could partially or completely replace the Ni content of L-605 to provide increased radiopacity. As platinum and palladium are in the same periodic table group as nickel they may be particularly good choices to replace the nickel in L-605 to increase radiopacity. At the same time, the concentration of Mn and/or Fe may be increased to provide sufficient austenitic FCC stabilization. Target ranges of Mn and/or Fe are dependent upon the desired level of relative radiopacity and governed by solidification dynamics between the elements; however, a broad class of Pt or Pd L-605 modified alloys are shown below in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Mn and or Fe FCC Stabilized Co—Cr Alloys Element Atomic Percent Cobalt 57.4 (39.1-57.4) Chromium 24.4 (20.1-26.0) Tungsten 5.2 (4.9-5.2)  Nickel   0 to 10.8 Platinum 1.0 to 10.8 Palladium 2.0 to 20.0 Manganese 1.7 to 20.0 Iron   0 to 10.8 Carbon 0.1 to 0.5 

In addition to Mn and Fe as austenitic stabilizers, maintaining some Ni as a stabilizer is also an option explored in some of the examples below. Also, as described above, it is desirable that relatively brittle intermetallics that may form between two or more of the components be avoided.

In an embodiment, the manganese may be present from 1 percent to about 25 percent by weight, from about 1 percent to about 17 percent by weight, or from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

In another embodiment the combined weight percentages of the manganese and any nickel (i.e., Mn+Ni) may be present from 1 percent to about 25 percent by weight, from about 1 percent to about 17 percent by weight, or from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

In another embodiment the combined weight percentages of the manganese, iron, and any nickel (i.e., Mn+Fe+Ni) may be present from 1 percent to about 25 percent by weight, from about 1 percent to about 17 percent by weight, or from about 1 percent to about 10 percent by weight.

TABLE 9A Specific Mn, Fe, and/or Ni FCC Stabilized Co-Cr Alloys Composition (at %) Alloy Co Cr Mn Ni Pd Pt Fe W C RR Example 1 57.4 24.4 1.7 — — 10.8 — 5.2 0.5 7.50 Example 3 57.4 24.4 1.7 — 10.8 — — 5.2 0.5 4.96 Example 90 49.1 24.4 10.8 — 10 — — 5.2 0.5 4.79 Example 91 49.1 24.4 10.8 — — 10 — 5.2 0.5 7.12 Example 92 47.4 24.4 1.7 — 10 — 10.8 5.2 0.5 4.82 Example 93 54.8 25.9 8.1 — 3.6 2 — 5.1 0.5 4.78 Example 94 55.1 26 7.9 — 2.9 2.7 — 4.9 0.5 4.88 Example 95 57.4 24.4 7.9 — — 4.6 — 5.2 0.5 5.35 Example 96 57.4 24.4 4.9 — — 7.6 — 5.2 0.5 6.40 Example 97 57.4 24.4 5.5 — 7.0 — — 5.2 0.5 4.53 Example 98 57.4 24.4 3.6 — 8.9 — — 5.2 0.5 4.75 Example 99 56.1 20.1 2.4 — 15.4 2 3.5 — 0.5 5.37 Example 100 51.9 26 2.5 — 10.9 4.6 3.6 — 0.5 5.46 Example 101 57.3 21.0 2.5 — 10.9 4.2 3.6 0.5 5.43 Example 102 57.4 24.4 9.0 — — 3.5 — 5.2 0.5 4.97 Example 103 57.4 24.4 1.7 3.3 — 7.5 — 5.2 0.5 6.42 Example 104 57.4 24.4 1.7 5.3 — 5.5 — 5.2 0.5 5.75 Example 105 57.4 24.4 1.7 8.0 — 2.8 — 5.2 0.5 4.82 Example 106 57.4 24.4 1.7 7.3 — 3.5 — 5.2 0.5 5.07 Example 107 52.6 24.4 6.5 — 10.8 — — 5.2 0.5 4.91 Example 108 39.1 24.4 20.0 — 10.8 — — 5.2 0.5 4.78 Example 109 52.6 24.4 3.5 3.0 10.8 — — 5.2 0.5 4.95 Example 110 39.1 24.4 6.5 4.3 20.0 — — 5.2 0.5 5.84 Example 111 42.9 24.4 5.0 7.0 15.0 — — 5.2 0.5 5.37 Example 112 47.3 24.4 3.5 8.3 10.8 — — 5.2 0.5 4.97 Example 113 49.5 24.4 1.3 8.3 10.8 — — 5.2 0.5 4.99

TABLE 9B Specific Mn, Fe, and/or Ni FCC Stabilized Co-Cr Alloys Composition (wt %) Alloy Co Cr Mn Ni Pd Pt Fe W C Example 1 43.3 16.2 1.2 — — 27.0 — 12.2 0.1 Example 3 49.3 18.5 1.4 — 16.8 — — 13.9 0.1 Example 114 42.7 18.7 8.7 — 15.7 — — 14.1 0.1 Example 115 37.8 16.5 7.7 — — 25.4 — 12.5 0.1 Example 116 41.1 18.7 1.4 — 15.7 8.9 14.1 0.1 Example 117 48.0 20.0 6.6 — 5.7 5.8 — 13.8 0.1 Example 118 48.0 20.0 6.4 — 4.6 7.5 — 13.4 0.1 Example 119 48.0 19.9 8.0 — 14.0 — — 10.0 0.1 Example 120 45.0 20.0 2.0 — 17.0 13.0 3.0 — 0.1 Example 121 50.0 16.0 2.0 — 17.0 12.0 3.0 — 0.1 Example 122 51.0 16.0 2.0 — 25.0 — 3.0 — 0.1 Example 123 49.7 18.7 7.3 — — 10.1 — 14.1 0.1 Example 124 45.9 17.2 1.3 2.6 — 19.9 — 13.0 0.1 Example 125 47.7 17.9 1.3 4.4 — 15.1 — 13.5 0.1 Example 126 50.3 18.9 1.4 7.0 — 8.1 — 14.2 0.1 Example 127 49.6 18.6 1.4 6.3 — 10.0 — 14.0 0.1 Example 128 45.3 18.6 5.2 — 16.8 — — 14.0 0.1 Example 129 34.0 18.7 16.2 — 16.9 — — 14.1 0.1 Example 130 31.7 17.4 4.9 3.5 29.3 — — 13.1 0.1 Example 131 35.9 18.0 3.9 5.8 22.7 — — 13.6 0.1 Example 132 42.6 18.5 1.0 7.1 16.8 — — 13.9 0.1

Generally, many of the Examples 90-132 are similar or identical to one another, as Table 9A reports atomic percentages, while Table 9B reports weight percentages. The Examples of Table 9A are cobalt-based alloys comprising from about 39.1 atomic percent to about 57.4 atomic percent cobalt, from about 20.1 to about 26 atomic percent chromium, from about 1.3 atomic percent manganese to about 20 atomic percent manganese, and from about 2.8 atomic percent to about 20 atomic percent platinum and/or palladium. Examples 90-102 and 107-108 of Table 9A are nickel-free. Examples 90-98 and 102-113 of Table 9A additionally include from about 4.9 to about 5.2 atomic percent tungsten. Examples 92 and 99-101 substitute at least a portion of the nickel of L-605 with iron, and include from about 3.5 atomic percent to about 10.8 atomic percent iron. All Examples of Table 9A are nickel free, or at least include a reduced nickel content as compared to L-605. Examples 103-106 and 109-113 include reduced nickel content, from about 3 atomic percent to about 8.3 atomic percent nickel.

The Examples of Table 9B are cobalt-based alloys comprising from about 31.7 weight percent to about 51 weight percent cobalt, from about 16 weight percent to about 20 weight percent chromium, from about 1 weight percent manganese to about 16.2 weight percent manganese, and from about 8.1 weight percent to about 30 weight percent platinum and/or palladium. Examples 114-123 and 128-129 of Table 9B are nickel-free. Examples 114-119 and 123-132 of Table 9B additionally include from about 10 to about 14.2 weight percent tungsten. Examples 116 and 120-122 substitute at least a portion of the nickel of L-605 with iron, and include from about 3 weight percent to about 8.9 weight percent iron. All Examples of Table 9B are nickel free, or at least include a reduced nickel content as compared to L-605. Examples 124-127 and 130-132 include reduced nickel content, from about 2.6 weight percent to about 7.1 weight percent nickel. Some nickel-containing examples that include a nickel content that is reduced as compared to that of L-605 (10 weight percent) may contain less than 5 percent by weight nickel, or less than 3.5 weight percent nickel. The manganese and/or iron content may be increased to provide a Mn+Fe+Ni content that is as described above (e.g., 1 to 25 weight percent, 1 to 17 weight percent, or 1 to 10 weight percent). Some flexibility may be taken with respect to the Examples. For example, similar examples may be formed that would include the amounts indicated, plus or minus 10%, plus or minus 5%, or plus or minus 3% from the stated atomic percentages, weight percentages, or volume percentages.

Table 10 below shows calculated combined Mn+Fe+Ni weight percentages for the Examples of Table 9B.

TABLE 10 Mn + Fe + Ni Alloy Wt % Example 1 1.2 Example 3 1.4 Example 114 8.7 Example 115 7.7 Example 116 10.3 Example 117 6.6 Example 118 6.4 Example 119 8.0 Example 120 5.0 Example 121 5.0 Example 122 5.0 Example 123 7.3 Example 124 3.9 Example 125 5.7 Example 126 8.4 Example 127 7.7 Example 128 5.2 Example 129 16.2 Example 130 8.4 Example 131 9.7 Example 132 8.1

In an embodiment, the combined weight percentage of the manganese, any iron, and any nickel is from 1 to 17 weight percent, from 1 to 10 weight percent, at least 3 weight percent, at least 4 weight percent, or at least 5 weight percent (e.g., from 3 to 10 weight percent, 4 to 10 weight percent, or 5 to 10 weight percent). The same ranges may apply to Mn+Ni or Mn+Fe. The nickel content may be limited to below that of L-605 alloy (10 weight percent). For example, added nickel may be present at no more than 7.1 weight percent, 7 weight percent, 6.3 weight percent, 5.8 weight percent, 5 weight percent, 4.4 weight percent, 3.5 weight percent, or 2.6 weight percent.

For example, Example 126 includes 7 weight percent nickel and 1.4 weight percent manganese, no more than trace iron, with a combined Mn+Ni content of 8.1 weight percent. Example 127 includes 6.3 weight percent nickel and 1.4 weight percent manganese, no more than trace iron, with a combined Mn+Ni content of 7.7 weight percent. Example 131 includes 5.8 weight percent nickel and 3.9 weight percent manganese, no more than trace iron, with a combined Mn+Ni content of 9.7 weight percent. Example 132 includes 7.1 weight percent nickel and 1.0 weight percent manganese, no more than trace iron, with a combined Mn+Ni content of 8.1 weight percent. As such, examples including 5 weight percent or more nickel (e.g., 5 to 8 weight percent or 5.8 to 7.1 weight percent) may include Mn+Ni content of 7 to 10 weight percent (e.g., 7.7 to 9.7 weight percent). Within such examples including 5 weight percent or more nickel, manganese may be included in amounts of 1 to 10 or 1 to 5 weight percent.

Relative radiopacities of the Examples are shown in Table 9A. Of course, those examples which are identical (but reported in weight percent in Table 9B) would have identical relative radiopacity values. Relative radiopacity values for Examples 90-132 range from about 4.53 barnes/cm³ to 7.5 barnes/cm³. In an embodiment, the relative radiopacity may be greater than 4.5 barnes/cm³ or greater than 4.6 barnes/cm³ (e.g., 4.5 barnes/cm³ to 7.5 barnes/cm³, from 4.5 barnes/cm³ to 6.5 barnes/cm³ from 4.6 barnes/cm³ to 7.5 barnes/cm³, or from 4.6 barnes/cm³ to 6.5 barnes/cm³). In an embodiment, such relative radiopacity may be optimum for stent strut thickness of about 60 to about 85 microns (e.g., 62 microns, 81 microns).

In an embodiment, nickel and tungsten are absent. For example, Examples 120, 121, and 122 describe examples based on L-605 in which these components are substituted with platinum and/or palladium. Molybdenum may also be included in any of the formulations. For example, another embodiment may include substitution with palladium and molybdenum. For example, Example 122 may include 3 weight percent Mo. Another embodiment including molybdenum (and perhaps no manganese) may include 40 weight percent cobalt, 18 weight percent chromium, 29 weight percent palladium, 3 weight percent iron, and 10 weight percent nickel, as well as a trace amount (e.g., 0.1 weight percent) carbon. Such an embodiment may exhibit a relative radiopacity of 6.3 barnes/cm³. Another embodiment may include 53.4 weight percent cobalt, 20 weight percent chromium, 1.5 weight percent manganese, 9.0 weight percent palladium, 1 weight percent platinum, and 15 weight percent tungsten. An embodiment may include no nickel, which may be substituted with palladium, with platinum and manganese, with palladium and manganese, or with palladium and iron. Substitution may be based on atomic, weight, or volume percentages of a given component. An embodiment may maintain the Co/Cr ratio of the starting alloy (e.g., L-605), and decrease the amounts of each (while maintaining the ratio), while increasing manganese content and/or increasing platinum and/or palladium content. An embodiment may maintain the Co/Cr ratio of the starting alloy, and add manganese with equal amounts (e.g., weight, volume, or atomic) of platinum and palladium, with tungsten. An embodiment may reduce the tungsten content (e.g., cut in half) and add molybdenum instead, while substituting nickel with platinum and/or palladium. An embodiment may substitute iron for nickel and add palladium and/or platinum for partial cobalt replacement. An embodiment may replace nickel with manganese and reduce cobalt by adding platinum or palladium. An embodiment may maintain the Co/Cr ratio of the starting alloy and add one or more of palladium, manganese, and/or molybdenum.

In another embodiment, a radiopaque Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy is contemplated that is similar to L-605, but in which the amount of tungsten is increased to 20-35% by weight, or up to 35% by weight, while the remaining weight fractions may remain unaltered. For example, alloy L-605 contains 15% by weight tungsten. By increasing the amount of tungsten to 20-35% by weight (by substituting some of the cobalt), while retaining the remaining weight fractions, the relative radiopacity of the resulting alloy is increased relative to L-605, and where care is taken during manufacture to carefully quench the alloy, the resulting alloy can advantageously have a primarily single-phase, FCC microstructure. It will be appreciated that many other alloys that may nominally include such fractions of tungsten will not necessarily include the required primarily single-phase FCC structure, but will include a coarse, Tungsten rich second phase (e.g. Co₃W due to the elevated Tungsten content) and/or a plurality of microcrystalline phases, due to the elevated tungsten content. At an elevated temperature (e.g., at about at least 1300° C., about at least 1400° C. or about at least 1500° C.), a single-phase FCC structure can be achieved in such Co—Cr alloys, and if care is taken in ensuring that cooling of the alloy occurs quickly, with sufficient austenitic stabilization content (e.g., Ni and Mn), it is possible to preserve a primarily single-phase alloy in which the tungsten (and the other alloying elements) continue to primarily exhibit the FCC crystalline structure, rather than forming two coarse phases, as would be typical.

The primarily single-phase alloy having an increased level of tungsten may be attained by means of powder metallurgy processes, for example by forming a single-phase FCC alloy melt of the composition and subsequently spraying the single-phase FCC alloy melt as quick cooling droplets through a nozzle (e.g. droplets smaller than about 25 μm), pouring the single-phase FCC alloy melt against a spinning drum to create a fine ribbon or related techniques. The alloy melt must be completely molten and may require superheat to counteract heat losses by the feed system and the nozzle, such that the processes include heating the alloy melt to an elevated temperature of about at least 1300° C., about at least 1400° C. or about at least 1500° C. prior to rapid cooling (e.g. 200 to 500° C./s). The resulting fine particles may have a maximum or even average particle size of 0.5 μm to 10 μm and form a powder which may then be compacted, sintered and optionally processed in a hot isostatic press to form a powder metallurgy billet analogous to a cast ingot. The billet may then be processed in essentially the same manner as a cast ingot.

Hot isostatic pressing subjects the powder to both an elevated temperature and isostatic gas pressure in a high-pressure containment vessel, and may be adapted to achieve a minimum of 99.5% dense alloy. High sintering temperatures of about 1200 to 1300° C. may be used to enable high diffusion rates for promoting powder bonding and void reduction. As the billets may be subsequently wrought into tubing or wire, additional densification may be achieved thereby. Age hardening of the alloy material may allow further optimization of the mechanical properties of the material, without a reduction in radiopacity or formation of a coarse second phase within the microstructure.

One embodiment of the radiopaque Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy of the present invention is comprised of chromium in a concentration of about 20% (e.g., 15% to 25%) by weight, tungsten in a concentration that is greater than 15% (e.g., at least 20%, such as 20-35% by weight, nickel in a concentration of 5-15% (e.g., about 10%) by weight, manganese in a concentration of 0-5% (e.g., 1-3%) by weight, and iron in a concentration of 0-5% (e.g., 0-3%, or 1-3%) by weight. Trace elements may be present, if at all, in concentrations of less than 1%, less than 0.5%, less than 0.4%, less than 0.3%, less than 0.2%, less than 0.1%, less than 0.05%, less than 0.04%, less than 0.03%, less than 0.02%, or less than 0.01% by weight. The balance of material is cobalt, e.g., about 30-50% by weight. In an embodiment, the weight fractions for one or more of chromium, manganese, iron, or nickel may be identical to those in L-605. In an embodiment, the fractions of cobalt and tungsten may be the only difference in composition relative to L-605, although the sum of the cobalt+tungsten weight fractions may be equal to that of L-605 (e.g., 66-68% by weight).

According to a further embodiment of the radiopaque Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy, the alloy may be substantially or entirely free of molybdenum and/or carbon as deliberately added alloying elements. “Substantially free” as used herein may include less than 0.05%, less than 0.04%, less than 0.03%, less than 0.02%, or less than 0.01% weight.

According to a further embodiment, the alloy comprises no more than 1%, no more than 0.5%, no more than 0.4%, no more than 0.3%, or no more than 0.2% of silicon. The alloy may be substantially free of phosphorous and/or sulfur, as quantified above (e.g., no more than 0.02% by weight of each).

The radiopaque stent of the present invention overcomes limitations and weaknesses of other stents, e.g., particularly L-605 stents, which exhibit less than optimal radiopacity, without requiring addition of relatively expensive alloying elements, such as platinum, palladium, iridium, or the like, while at the same time ensuring that the stent can be formed from a homogenous material (no coatings, various metallic layers, markers or the like), in which the alloy exhibits a primarily single-phase FCC microstructure, but with super-saturated tungsten content. Such a stent imparts a more visible image when absorbing x-rays during fluoroscopy as compared to a dimensionally similar L-605 stent, while providing other advantages over alternative stent alloys that employ expensive alloying elements. With this more visible image, the entire stent is better observed by the practitioner placing the stent. The image observed by the practitioner is not “washed out” due to excessive brightness and is not too dim. Because of the improved image, the stent is accurately positioned and manipulated within a lumen of a patient, with a radiopacity such that stent expansion during and after deployment may be assessed accurately by the practitioner. An additional advantage to the increased radiopacity is the visualization of the stent and the underlying vessel during follow-up examinations by the practitioner.

Because the entire stent is radiopaque, the diameter and length of the stent are readily discerned by the practitioner. Also, because the stent itself is made of the radiopaque alloy, the stent does not have problems associated with radiopaque coatings or varying metallic layers, such as cracking or separation or corrosion. Also, because the entire stent is radiopaque, the stent does not require extra markers with their attendant issues.

The low profile of the Co—Cr—Ni—W stent, coupled with its enhanced radiopacity renders the stent more deliverable with easier observation and detection throughout its therapeutic use than stents heretofore available, at a lower cost. A stent constructed of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy as contemplated herein can be made thinner than one of stainless steel without sacrificing fluoroscopic visibility and can be free from costly platinum group metals, precious metals, and other relatively expensive exotic metals. The low profile of the Co—Cr—Ni—W stent renders the stent more deliverable with greater flexibility.

Furthermore, the use of a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy that includes up to 35% by weight tungsten, or particularly 20-35% tungsten, in a primarily single-phase composition results in improved radiopacity of the low profile stent of the present invention over prior art cobalt chromium alloys using lesser amounts of tungsten as a radiopacifier, and increases deliverability of the stent and offers solid performance advantages regarding decreasing the fluid mechanical disturbances of blood flow. Improved radiopacity assists the practitioner in placing the device precisely. Inflation or other deployment of the stent is better monitored because the stent is better visible to the practitioner. This visibility reduces the incidence and probability of an under-deployed stent. Further, in-stent restenosis is monitored as the stent and an injected contrast agent are able to be imaged simultaneously. Unlike some stents, the stent of the present invention does not produce an image which is too bright, thereby obscuring imaging of the underlying vessel morphology.

The use of tungsten may not only impart an improved radiopacity but also impart improved corrosion resistance and a resistance to oxidation at high temperatures.

While cobalt chromium alloys containing up to 15% by weight tungsten, such as L-605, have been used in many applications, these alloys are unable to replicate the improved radiopacity achieved with platinum group metals and other precious metals known in the art. The nominal composition of L-605 is shown in Table 1.

L-605 is reported to have a melting range of 1602 to 1683K (e.g., 1329 to 1410° C.) a maximum hardness of 277 HB and a density of 9.13 g/cm³. This alloy in annealed bar form has a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 125 ksi, a minimum yield strength of 45 ksi and a minimum total elongation of 30%. While many of these properties are desirable, and suitable for stent manufacture, the relative radiopacity of L-605 is lacking, e.g., being only 3.6 barnes/cc. While this is better than stainless steel (with a relative radiopacity of only about 2.5 barnes/cc), it is far below a more suitable range, such as greater than 4 barnes/cc, greater than 4.5 barnes/cc, or from 4 barnes/cc to 10 barnes/cc, 4 barnes/cc to 8 barnes/cc, or 4 barnes/cc to 7 barnes/cc.

Variations in the level of tungsten in the cobalt chromium alloy L-605, and by extension in the radiopacity of the alloy, have previously been restricted to 15% by weight, due to the solubility limits of tungsten in such Co—Cr alloys, as well as other restraints. As shown in FIGS. 61a-62c , attempts to increase tungsten past the solubility limit, according to known methods in the prior art, results in multiple coarse phases (rather than primarily a single FCC phase with a finely distributed second phase) leading to loss of desirable mechanical properties of the L-605 microstructure and alloy. According to FIGS. 61a-c , an increased tungsten content of 20% leads to an unacceptably large second phase of Co₃W that is concentrated in the material. At a level of 25% tungsten the second phase becomes even more pervasive, as illustrated in a comparison of FIGS. 61a-c with FIGS. 62a-c . The loss of a primarily single-phase austenitic microstructure in an alloy with supersaturated levels of tungsten impairs the mechanical properties of the alloy and can cause material weaknesses, e.g. due to the stress concentrations caused by the presence of the coarse second phase particles. These large particles are further subject to selective attack during processing and should be avoided.

It has not previously been possible to increase the level of tungsten in the alloy to 20-35% without losing the advantages of a single-phase austenitic microstructure, or at least a primarily single-phase austenitic microstructure. This is due at least in part to the low solubility limit of tungsten within the alloy at usage temperatures, and the tendency for increased levels of tungsten in the alloy to induce the formation of a coarse multiphase microstructure. This coarse multiphase microstructure is subject to selective attack, and exhibits decreased mechanical properties. Tungsten is actually a HCP stabilizer, not an FCC stabilizer and is known to form coarse phases of Co₃W and Co₇W₆.

While some attempts have been made to improve the radiopacity of L-605, these strategies have generally relied on the replacement of nickel within the alloy, and require the use of expensive and exotic elements. Even where such may increase radiopacity, they can result in a decrease in other desirable mechanical properties, and may not result a primarily single-phase microstructure, particularly where the austenitic stabilizer nickel is removed. Further, the inherent expense may be cost prohibitive in a competitive business environment.

Materials having a coarse multiphase microstructure are prone to defects in processing and are disadvantageous for use in stent products. Of particular concern is the tendency of high levels of tungsten to cause segregation in the initial as cast material. During heat treatment care must be taken for complete homogeneity. Appropriate processes for maintaining a high homogeneity in the alloy requires the use of high temperatures in the solution and rapid cooling by quenching or using powder metallurgy processes.

The currently described embodiments having 20-35% tungsten have been found to improve the radiopacity of the material to comparable levels achieved by alloys relying on platinum group metals or other exotic metals addition, but without compromising the primarily single-phase, FCC microstructure that is one advantage of an otherwise inferior L-605 alloy. In addition, tungsten is relatively abundant and inexpensive as compared to many alternative proposed radiopacity increasing alloying metals.

To form a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy having 20-35% tungsten according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the principal elements (i.e., cobalt, chromium, nickel and tungsten) can be refined to form a furnace charge stock that is combined in an alloy melt and cast as ingots. The refined principal elements are combined in solution at a high temperature of at least about 1500K, (e.g., 1227° C.), under which conditions the solubility limit of tungsten in the solution is increased significantly, and to achieve homogenization of the elements in a primarily single-phase FCC microstructure. FIGS. 58-60 show how such Co—Cr—Ni—W alloys exhibit greater equilibrium solubility of the tungsten at elevated temperatures (e.g., at about 1500K), and that this equilibrium solubility drops significantly at 500K (and it is similarly low at ambient temperature (e.g., 293K). FIGS. 55-57 show simple binary phase diagrams from Co—W, Cr—W, and Ni—W, respectively. In order to achieve good homogenization of the elements at the elevated temperature (e.g., at least about 1500K), the process may include maintaining the solid solution at said temperature for a given period of time in order to ensure the desired uniform homogenous distribution of tungsten and the other alloying elements throughout the solution. For example, the solution may be maintained at said temperature for at least about 1 minute, at least about 2 minutes, at least about 3 minutes, at least about 5 minutes, from 1 minute to 200 minutes, from 1 minute to 100 minutes, from 1 minute to about 60 minutes, or from 1 to 30 minutes. Such a dwell time at the elevated temperature also ensures that the solution has sufficient time to reach the equilibrium state in which the single-phase FCC structure is attained. The solution is cooled from the relatively high processing temperature to about 500K or less (e.g., 227° C.), within a short time period (e.g., less than 10 minutes, less than 5 minutes, less than 4 minutes, less than 3 minutes, less than 2 minutes, or less than 1 minute), in order to keep high levels of tungsten trapped in solution with a primarily single-phase FCC microstructure, and to prevent the tungsten from precipitating out of the single-phase alloy, which would result in formation of a second phase of uncontrolled size. Rapid cooling of the solution may thus maintain the supersaturated composition with regards to tungsten in the alloy.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an alloy melt of the Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy having 20-35% tungsten may undergo rapid cooling according to powder metallurgy processes or ribbon cooling. In a powder metallurgy process, the alloy melt may be forced through a nozzle for forming fine droplets that can be cooled within a shorter time period than that achievable by quenching. In an example, the nozzle may be adapted for forming droplets smaller than 25 μm. A resulting powder including a primarily single-phase alloy according to the disclosure may then be processed by compaction, sintering and optionally isostatic pressing to form an alloy billet. The alloy billet may then be processed in a manner analogous to an as cast ingot.

Hot isostatic pressing subjects the powder to both an elevated temperature and isostatic gas pressure in a high-pressure containment vessel, and may be adapted to achieve a minimum of 99.5% dense alloy. High sintering temperatures of about 1200 to 1300° C. may be used to enable high diffusion rates for promoting powder bonding and void reduction. As the billets may be subsequently wrought into tubing or wire, additional densification may be achieved thereby.

In ribbon cooling the alloy melt may be poured against a drum spinning at a high speed. A resulting fine ribbon has a small size, that is subjected to a higher rate of cooling than is possible using quenching techniques, such that the formation of a second phase is limited in the resulting alloy.

Advantageously, the nickel, and optionally manganese, of the Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy serve as austenitic stabilizers within the solution and aid in preserving the desired primarily single-phase, FCC microstructure during the rapid cooling step, despite the amount of tungsten being above its solubility limit at room temperature. For this reason, it can be important in such embodiments where a primarily single-phase FCC microstructure is desired, to not substitute any of the 10% by weight nickel content already present in a comparative L-605 alloy. For example, nickel suppresses cobalt's allotropic transformation from a face-centered-cubic (“FCC”) crystal structure (where it is stable at high temperatures) to a hexagonal-close-packed (“HCP”) structure (where it is stable at low temperatures). These characteristics are apparent from FIGS. 11-16. In pure cobalt, this transformation naturally occurs at around 422° C. The addition of nickel significantly reduces cobalt's transformation temperature, thereby favoring the FCC structure, which in general, is a more ductile and more creep-resistant crystal structure than HCP. The rapid cooling of the alloy solution serves to trap the tungsten in the favored FCC structure, minimizing or eliminating formation of any substantial amounts of HCP or other structural phases.

While existing processing methods for L-605 generally adapt some temperature considerations to balance control of carbide formation in the alloy material with the desired mechanical properties of the final material, up to now, no consideration has been given to the processing that would be required to maintain a primarily single-phase, FCC microstructure in a Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy with 20-35 weight percent tungsten, paired with other compositional characteristics as shown in Examples 133-136. As some embodiments of the current Co—Cr—Ni—W alloys may be entirely free of carbon, the temperatures and cooling times of the processing described herein may be directly focused on the incorporation and homogenization of tungsten into the alloy solution with a primarily single-phase, FCC microstructure, rather than any considerations related to carbide formation.

By so processing the alloy, it is expected that it is possible to incorporate tungsten in the Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy material at 20-35% by weight (far above its room temperature solubility limit) while retaining the critical feature of a primarily single-phase FCC microstructure. The increased level of tungsten increases the radiopacity of the alloy material without the need for platinum group metals or other precious or expensive, exotic metals. According to one embodiment, the Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy is completely free of platinum group metals, precious metals, or other expensive elements such as platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, hafnium, rhenium, tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, zirconium, silver, gold or combinations thereof. While iron and/or manganese may be present, they each may represent no more than 3%, or no more than 2% (e.g., 1.5% by weight) of the alloy. The alloy may also be free, or substantially free of other elements of the periodic table not specifically listed in Examples 133-136.

The resulting alloys are advantageously stable and capable of additional homogenization and refining, such as age hardening, without a loss of radiopacity or the benefits of a primarily single-phase microstructure. In order to achieve the advantages of a very fine second phase from age hardening, the process may include an additional heating step following the rapid cooling or quenching of the primarily single-phase solution. For example, the resultant primarily single-phase FCC material may be heated at 600 to 1000° C., 600 to 800° C., or 600 to 675° C. for at least about 1 hour, at least about 4 hours, at least about 8 hours, at least about 16 hours, from 1 hour to 256 hours, or from 1 hour to 16 hours. Aging for the described time periods at the described temperatures ensures that the material has sufficient time to form a very fine second phase of fine particulate Co₃W. The austenitic stabilization of the material advantageously prevents significant formation of HCP structure, which would result in formation of multiple phases, while allowing the formation of fine particulate Co₃W which impedes the movement of dislocations or defects within the microstructure of the material. The age hardening can be configured to impart a particular yield strength to the material, according to the envisioned use, without causing any tangible effect on the advantageous radiopacity and mechanical properties of the single-phase supersaturated tungsten alloy.

Known methods for processing L605 alloys generally do not employ powder metallurgy or age hardening, as there was no apparent perceived commercial advantage in doing so. Prior to the discoveries of the current disclosure, powder metallurgy was perceived as a costly method that provided insufficient benefit in material properties. However, according to the current disclosure, powder metallurgy methods for forming an L605 alloy having increased levels of tungsten can reduce the occurrence of a disadvantageous second phase, such that the second phase is limited to no more than 10% volume fraction of a second phase, preferably no more than 5% volume fraction of a second phase. The resultant second phase further has a maximum or even average particle size of 0.5 μm to 5 μm and improves the yield strength of the material. In one embodiment, the alloy of the current disclosure may have a yield strength of 45 KSi or 310 MPa.

For some embodiments, the components of the Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy may be combined in an alloy melt by vacuum induction melting. Final refining may be performed in a vacuum arc remelt furnace. Homogenization may be performed to eliminate segregation, while the cooling step may include quenching the alloy solution with water, another liquid (e.g., oil) and/or a suitable gas, or cooling through powder metallurgy methods or ribbon cooling.

Experimental results illustrate the possibility of creating a radiopaque Co—Cr—Ni—W alloy having 20-35% tungsten by weight, as shown by Examples 133-136 below.

Example 133

Atomic Atomic # Symbol Name Wt Weight % Atomic % 1 H Hydrogen 1.00794 0.00 0.00 5 B Boron 10.811 0.00 0.00 6 C Carbon 12.0107 0.00 0.00 7 N Nitrogen 14.0067 0.00 0.00 8 O Oxygen 15.9994 0.00 0.00 14 Si Silicon 28.0855 0.20 0.47 15 P Phosphorous 30.97376 0.02 0.04 16 Si Sulfur 32.065 0.02 0.03 24 Cr Chromium 51.9961 20.00 25.31 25 Mn Manganese 54.93805 1.50 1.80 26 Fe Iron 55.845 1.50 1.77 27 Co Cobalt 58.9332 46.76 52.21 28 Ni Nickel 58.6934 10.00 11.21 74 W Tungsten 183.84 20.00 7.16 77 Ir Iridium 192.217 0.00 0.00 78 Pt Platinum 195.084 0.00 0.00 103 Lr Lawrencium 262 0.00 0.00 Total 100.00 100.00 W/Co 0.43 0.14

Example 134

Atomic Atomic # Symbol Name Wt Weight % Atomic % 1 H Hydrogen 1.00794 0.00 0.00 5 B Boron 10.811 0.00 0.00 6 C Carbon 12.0107 0.00 0.00 7 N Nitrogen 14.0067 0.00 0.00 8 O Oxygen 15.9994 0.00 0.00 14 Si Silicon 28.0855 0.20 0.47 15 P Phosphorous 30.97376 0.02 0.04 16 Si Sulfur 32.065 0.02 0.03 24 Cr Chromium 51.9961 20.00 25.31 25 Mn Manganese 54.93805 1.50 1.80 26 Fe Iron 55.845 1.50 1.77 27 Co Cobalt 58.9332 41.76 48.47 28 Ni Nickel 58.6934 10.00 11.21 74 W Tungsten 183.84 25.00 9.30 77 Ir Iridium 192.217 0.00 0.00 78 Pt Platinum 195.084 0.00 0.00 103 Lr Lawrencium 262 0.00 0.00 Total 100.00 100.00 W/Co 0.60 0.19

Example 135

Atomic Atomic # Symbol Name Wt Weight % Atomic % 1 H Hydrogen 1.00794 0.00 0.00 5 B Boron 10.811 0.00 0.00 6 C Carbon 12.0107 0.00 0.00 7 N Nitrogen 14.0067 0.00 0.00 8 O Oxygen 15.9994 0.00 0.00 14 Si Silicon 28.0855 0.20 0.47 15 P Phosphorous 30.97376 0.02 0.04 16 Si Sulfur 32.065 0.02 0.03 24 Cr Chromium 51.9961 20.00 25.31 25 Mn Manganese 54.93805 1.50 1.80 26 Fe Iron 55.845 1.50 1.77 27 Co Cobalt 58.9332 36.76 44.42 28 Ni Nickel 58.6934 10.00 11.21 74 W Tungsten 183.84 30.00 11.62 77 Ir Iridium 192.217 0.00 0.00 78 Pt Platinum 195.084 0.00 0.00 103 Lr Lawrencium 262 0.00 0.00 Total 100.00 100.00 W/Co 0.82 0.26

Example 136

Atomic Atomic # Symbol Name Wt Weight % Atomic % 1 H Hydrogen 1.00794 0.00 0.00 5 B Boron 10.811 0.00 0.00 6 C Carbon 12.0107 0.00 0.00 7 N Nitrogen 14.0067 0.00 0.00 8 O Oxygen 15.9994 0.00 0.00 14 Si Silicon 28.0855 0.20 0.47 15 P Phosphorous 30.97376 0.02 0.04 16 Si Sulfur 32.065 0.02 0.03 24 Cr Chromium 51.9961 20.00 25.31 25 Mn Manganese 54.93805 1.50 1.80 26 Fe Iron 55.845 1.50 1.77 27 Co Cobalt 58.9332 31.76 40.02 28 Ni Nickel 58.6934 10.00 11.21 74 W Tungsten 183.84 35.00 14.14 77 Ir Iridium 192.217 0.00 0.00 78 Pt Platinum 195.084 0.00 0.00 103 Lr Lawrencium 262 0.00 0.00 Total 100.00 100.00 W/Co 1.10 0.35

Although described principally for use in manufacturing stents, it will be understood that any of the disclosed alloys may also be used in the manufacture of guide wires, guide wire tip coils, balloon markers, or other structures associated with catheter use, and other implantable structures in which improved radiopacity would be desirable.

The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thus, the described implementations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A radiopaque stent, comprising: a cylindrical main body comprising a cobalt-chromium alloy including cobalt and chromium, the cobalt-chromium alloy including tungsten as a radiopacity increasing element, the tungsten comprising about 20% to about 35% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy, the tungsten content being super-saturated, above the solubility limit of tungsten in the cobalt-chromium alloy; wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy further comprises nickel, the nickel being present in a concentration of 5% to about 15% by weight; and wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy exhibits a primarily single-phase FCC solid solution, wherein no more than 10% volume fraction of a second phase is present, the second phase having an average particle size of less than 5 μm, even with the super-saturated tungsten content.
 2. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy comprises cobalt in an amount from about 30% to about 50% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy.
 3. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy comprises chromium in an amount of about 20% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy.
 4. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy comprises nickel in an amount of about 10% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy.
 5. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy is entirely free of molybdenum.
 6. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy is substantially free of carbon.
 6. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy is entirely free of carbon.
 7. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy comprises no more than 1% of silicon, phosphorus, and/or sulfur by weight.
 8. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy further comprises manganese in a concentration of up to 5% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy.
 9. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy further comprises iron in a concentration of up to 5% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy.
 10. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy further comprises both manganese and iron in a concentration of about 1.5% each, by weight.
 11. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein cobalt comprises from about 66 to 68% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy.
 12. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein a weight percent ratio of tungsten to cobalt is at least 0.4.
 13. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein a ratio of tungsten to cobalt is from 0.4 to 1.2.
 14. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein a ratio of tungsten to cobalt is from 0.40 to 0.45.
 15. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein a ratio of tungsten to cobalt is from 0.57 to 0.63.
 16. The radiopaque stent of claim 1, wherein a ratio of tungsten to cobalt is from 1.07 to 1.13.
 17. A radiopaque stent, comprising: a cylindrical main body formed from a single homogenous cobalt-chromium alloy including cobalt, chromium, nickel, and tungsten, the cobalt-chromium alloy not including any other alloying elements in amounts greater than 3% by weight; the cobalt-chromium alloy including tungsten as a radiopacity increasing element, the tungsten comprising about 20% to about 35% by weight of the cobalt-chromium alloy, the tungsten content being super-saturated, above the solubility limit of tungsten in the cobalt-chromium alloy at ambient temperature; wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy comprises about 10% by weight nickel; and wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy exhibits a primarily single-phase FCC solid solution structure, the second phase having a maximum particle size of less than 15 μm, even with the super-saturated tungsten content.
 18. The radiopaque stent of claim 17, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy is entirely free of molybdenum.
 19. The radiopaque stent of claim 17, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy is substantially free of carbon.
 20. The radiopaque stent of claim 17, wherein the cobalt-chromium alloy is entirely free of carbon. 